Why Prenatal Vitamins are Recommended for Men
The role of prenatal vitamins for women who are hoping to become pregnant or already expecting is well established. But these specialized vitamins don’t just benefit moms-to-be and their growing babies. A man’s role in a healthy conception, pregnancy, and baby is directly related to the quality of his sperm – something that can be supported with a men’s prenatal vitamin as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Understanding preconception health
Research shows that the health of parents three to six months before conception has an enormous impact. A man’s health specifically not only affects the chances of a successful conception, but the health of his partner’s pregnancy and their baby. During this preconception period, experts recommend prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices because overall health is often an indication of fertility health. Both partners are encouraged to exercise consistently, get plenty of sleep, manage stress, and a varied, nutritious diet. Filling in the gaps with a high-quality prenatal vitamin formulated to support and promote fertility health is also recommended. They play similar but different roles for men and women.
A men’s prenatal vitamin delivers precise nutrients shown to promote and support sperm across all health parameters. While men produce millions of sperm every day, each one goes through a critical three-stage maturation process that takes about three months. During this time, sperm cells divide, mature, and become mobile. Without an adequate supply of specific nutrients, the risk of serious sperm deficiencies increases. That can include motility, morphology, concentration, and DNA fragmentation issues, all of which can have a huge effect on a successful conception, pregnancy, and the health of a baby.
How to Choose a Men’s Prenatal Vitamin
Like women’s prenatal vitamins, however, those made for men aren’t created equal. As you research men’s prenatal vitamins, make a point of looking for specific ingredients in bioavailable forms and productive amounts.
CoQ10. According to research, this may improve fertilization rates and sperm motility in just weeks.
Methylated folate. For men, methylated folate (the active and most bioavailable form of folate) is associated with greater sperm count and health. One study found low folate levels in semen were linked with poor sperm DNA stability.
Vitamins C, E, B6, and B12. These antioxidants support and promote sperm quantity, motility, and morphology, while also helping to protect sperm from damage from free radicals.
Vitamin D. Technically a hormone, vitamin D affects our body’s absorption of nutrients like calcium, phosphate, and magnesium. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to poor sperm quality. What’s more, supplementing with vitamin D is linked to better sperm.
L-Carnitine. This compound is associated with higher fertilization rates and improved quality sperm.
Selenium. This antioxidant may increase testosterone and improve multiple sperm parameters, including in infertile men.
N-acetyl-L-Cysteine. NAC may improve multiple sperm parameters.
Zinc. This is another important nutrient for male fertility. Multiple studies associate zinc supplementation with improved sperm motility, functional sperm morphology, and increased sperm volume. Notably, low zinc levels are common in infertile men.
L-Arginine. This amino acid is essential for the production of sperm and is associated with improved sperm quality.
L-Taurine. Recent studies associate low levels of taurine, another antioxidant, to male factor infertility.
Shilajit. This Ayurvedic adaptogen has been shown to increase sperm count, motility, and serum testosterone in men with an initial diagnosis of infertility.
You’ll find all of these ingredients in Beli Vitality for Men, a science-aligned men’s prenatal vitamin specifically formulated to support sperm health. Its ingredients are based on the available research about men’s fertility health, with an emphasis on efficacy and quality. Plus, Beli Vitality for Men is the recipient of a purity award from the Clean Label Project, gluten and allergen-free, and manufactured in an FDA-registered facility with GMP certifications.
The Bottom Line
A men’s prenatal vitamin makes it easy to manage fertility nutrition. But just like prenatal vitamins for women, those intended for men shouldn’t be an afterthought. As part of a healthy lifestyle, a men’s prenatal vitamin is a small daily habit that supports and promotes sperm health for the very best chances of a baby.
As special thanks to Beli for contributing to today's blog post!
