WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS

VITAMIN B GROUP: A group of vitamins that consist of roughly eight different types. B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B 12 as well as biotin and folic acid. It seems like where ever you read there is a different case for each of the types of B vitamins in relation to fertility. The B group helps to balance sex hormone production. As well it creates new blood cells for growing babies and are a huge part of their brain development and cell division. The B group ( in particular B12 and folate) is very important in preventing birth defects such as spina bifida and cleft palate.

FOLATE ( B9): This has been said to have become one of the most important B vitamins to take before trying to get pregnant. Folate is most important in the first two weeks of pregnancy, even before any symptoms show! Because it is a water soluble vitamin it is important to ensure you are getting enough folate in your diet every day. One of folate’s key functions as a vitamin is to allow for complete development of red blood cells. These cells help carry oxygen around the body. Folate is best known for its importance in pregnancy and prevention of pregnancy defects as mentioned above! 

Plant Sources: Asparagus, Lentils, Spinach, Broccoli, Beet Greens, Beets, Brussel Sprouts, Romaine Lettuce, Beans, Alfalfa Sprouts 

Animal Sources: Organic Free Range Eggs, Cottage Cheese

VITAMIN C: Antioxidant Heaven! As an antioxidant it helps to heal wounds, boost our immune system and fight viruses. Vitamin C is not only helpful for female fertility, but also for the men in your life! It helps to protect the sperm and it’s DNA from damage thereby increasing the sperm quality. It also helps to neutralize any chemicals or toxins found in the semen from things like environmental pollution, or smoking. Vitamin C helps to create a more welcoming environment for sperm in your body that helps sperm to reach the egg much more easily and swiftly! 

If you are getting enough vitamin C in your diet, don’t supplement. With higher dosages of vitamin C, the body may get acidic. An acidic environment in the body is unfriendly to sperm and implantation of the fertilized egg!

Animal Sources: Mostly found in animal liver sources 

Plant Sources: Whole Grains, citrus fruits, strawberries, green and red bell peppers, sprouted seeds, broccoli 

ZINC: Zinc is a major nutrient in the world of baby making. It is needed for hormonal balance, the development in sperm / eggs and successful fertilization! For babies, zinc will help to create a healthy nervous system and brain. Zinc used to be found readily in our soils and therefore our foods but as times have changed so has our foods soil health! 

Animal Sources: Healthy sources of beef and animal liver, Oysters 

Plant Sources: Whole grains, nuts, legumes, wheat germ, beans, mushrooms , spinach