B12 & Fertility

𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝟏𝟐 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 

 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘝𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯 𝘉12 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘎𝘦𝘵 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘵? 

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 

When trying to conceive, there are a lot of variables involved. However, the better you treat your body, the more likely it is that you’ll get pregnant. While an active lifestyle and low-stress levels are important, optimal nutrition is imperative. 

Studies have revealed a clear connection between diet and fertility, suggesting that couples trying to become pregnant should be mindful of folic acid, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and other key nutrients in order to avoid deficiency.

While studying B12 specifically, researchers have found that low levels can impact the fertility of both men and women. This is not a vitamin you want to ignore. 

𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝟏𝟐 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that supports brain and nervous system function, the metabolism of your body’s cells, the production of genetic components in the egg and sperm, sperm count, and so much more. 

When levels become deficient, you may notice that you feel weak, tired, and lack the ability to concentrate. Other symptoms are not overly obvious, including anemia and infertility. 

𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝟏𝟐 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 

 It takes two to conceive, which is why researchers continue to explore the role that men play in terms of fertility. While focusing on B12, it’s been found that a deficiency may lead to the following issues: 

Low motility of sperm 

Loss of libido

Low sperm count 

DNA damage in sperm 

Premature ejaculation 

𝐕𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝟏𝟐 𝐅𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 

 Although it is possible, if a woman is trying to conceive with a B12 deficiency, chances are she will experience some level of difficulty. Sadly, even if a woman does become pregnant, a lack of vitamin B12 can lead to pregnancy complications, including low birth weight, spontaneous abortion, and neural tube defects. If you are currently struggling to conceive and a lack of B12 is a concern, this is how a deficiency can interfere with your reproductive health: 

Cause abnormal ovulation 

Disrupt normal cell division 

Impair egg development 

Cause implantation difficulty and complications

𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝟏𝟐 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞? 

As discussed above, a B12 deficiency can significantly impair your reproductive health, but can an increased intake boost your ability to get pregnant? 

In addition to supporting regular reproductive health, research shows that higher levels of B12, as well as folate, may enhance fertility in women who are undergoing infertility treatment.