Effects of vitamin B12 on fertility

In addition to promoting blood cell production and nerve activity, the effects of vitamin B12 are also demonstrated by increasing fertility for both men and women.

Currently, the problems of infertility and infertility are a common concern of many people. If you have been trying to conceive for a long time but still have not succeeded, it may be because your body lacks vitamin B12.

So how does vitamin B12 work on fertility? Let aFamilyToday Health follow up with the following sharing to understand more about the effects of vitamin B12.

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. In addition, this vitamin also functions to maintain a healthy metabolism. More importantly, vitamin B12 also plays an important role in the creation of genetic material contained in the DNA, RNA of eggs and sperm.

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause infertility?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can affect fertility of both men and women. Not only that, this condition can also lead to many illnesses such as weakness , memory loss, infertility, anemia , mental or mental problems.

1. The effect of vitamin B12 on male fertility

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the production and development of sperm, prevents premature ejaculation and enhances libido in men. If you are deficient in vitamin B12, men may experience the following problems:

Low sperm count

DNA damage in sperm cells

Poor motility of the sperm

Decreased libido

Premature ejaculation

According to research, every day, if men supplement about 1,500mg vitamin B12 for 2-13 months, the sperm count will increase by about 60%. Vitamin B12 supplementation also improves sperm mobility by up to 50%, thereby increasing fertility for men.

2. The effects of vitamin B12 on female fertility

Lack of vitamin B12 makes it very difficult for women to conceive. Even with conception, the possibility of miscarriage is also very high. This is due to a lack of vitamin B12 which can cause problems such as:

Ovulation abnormality

Disruption of cell division

Negatively affects egg development

Fertilized eggs are difficult to attach to the uterine wall

Vitamin B12 is a very important nutrient for conception. On average, an adult will need about 2.4 mcg of vitamin B12 per day. You can get this vitamin through either your diet or with vitamin B12 supplements.

How to add vitamin B12 to the body?

If you have a vitamin B12 deficiency, don't worry, you can supplement it by adding foods rich in vitamin B12 in your diet or taking vitamin supplements:

1. Foods rich in vitamin B12

Foods rich in vitamin B12 to include in your diet:

Salmon

Beef liver

Filet mignon

Molluscs (clams, cockles, clams)

Yogurt

Milk

Egg

Chicken

Cereals

Tuna

2. Vitamin B12 supplements

In addition to adding vitamin B12-rich foods to your diet, you can also supplement by taking a supplement that comes in capsules or water. In some cases, vitamin B12 injections may be necessary, but only if directed by your doctor.

Besides vitamin B12, what vitamins should you take in order to increase fertility?

If you intend to become pregnant, you need to add some of the following vitamins to be good for the reproductive system, to help increase fertility:

Folic acid: This is a vitamin that you must take if you intend to become pregnant. Taking folic acid before pregnancy will help you and your baby avoid many risks such as lack of red blood cells, premature birth, birth defects , pre-eclampsia . If you intend to become pregnant, you should add foods rich in folic acid to your diet about 1-2 months before conception.

Zinc:  This mineral is very important to take if you are planning to become pregnant. For men, zinc has a great influence on the quality and quantity of the spermatozoa. So if you want to improve your reproductive health, you should include foods rich in zinc in your diet. Before getting pregnant, men should take about 11mg every day and women should get about 8mg.

Vitamin E: Several studies have shown that vitamin E is essential for the fertility of both women and men. Men with vitamin E deficiency may impair sperm quality and quantity, while women with vitamin E deficiency experience problems with ovulation. If you intend to become pregnant, you need to get about 1,000mg of vitamin E a day.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: This nutrient works to increase blood flow to the uterus and balance hormones. Not only that, omega-3 fatty acids are also very good for the brain development of the fetus.

In addition, if pregnant women regularly supplement omega-3 during pregnancy, it can reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as diabetes , pre-eclampsia, premature birth ...

Selenium: An antioxidant that helps protect eggs and sperm from attack by free radicals. In addition, selenium also affects the ability of sperm to move and the production of the hormone estrogen in women. To supplement selenium, you should eat a variety of foods such as beans, fish (mackerel, tuna, salmon, sardines), shellfish (oysters, scallops, lobsters), mushrooms, and egg red, whole grains ...

Vitamin B12 plays an important role in conception. When planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor about the amount of vitamin B12 you need and plan to add vitamin B12-rich foods to your diet.