There are many couples who want to have children, but who are currently struggling to conceive.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 6.7 million women in the United States are affected by impaired fecundity (the inability to have a child). There are many causes of infertility, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS) in women, or a low sperm count in men. Fortunately, there are some natural ways that can boost your odds of getting pregnant. While these supplements will not cure diseases or disorders that cause infertility, they can significantly increase your chances of conceiving a child.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

What it is: CoQ10 is a natural enzyme and potent antioxidant that is made in the body naturally and which is instrumental in the production of cellular energy. It is formulated with help from vitamin B6 and an amino acid called tyrosine, although you can find CoQ10 in foods such as sesame oil, organ meats, nuts, and beans. Many places also sell CoQ10 supplements that can be effective. What studies show: CoQ10 didn’t become a possible solution for boosting fertility until 2010 when a groundbreaking study came out that revealed how CoQ10 is critical to mitochondrial activity, which, in turn, affects egg and embryo development. The study was performed by giving old female mice CoQ10 supplementation and giving young female mice a placebo. The older female mice were found to have an increased number of ovulated eggs and an increase in litter size.   Other preliminary studies in animals show that it can increase egg and sperm quality and reverse the signs of age-related reproductive decline. Who can benefit: Older women who are trying to get pregnant may be able to benefit from taking a CoQ10 supplement. Those who are seeing a fertility specialist should consider asking their doctor about using it to potentially increase their chances of getting pregnant.

Folic Acid

What it is: Folic acid is part of a group of B vitamins and helps the body make new cells.   Although it can be found in foods such as leafy greens and fortified cereals, many American women are shown to be deficient in folic acid. What studies show: One study revealed that men who took both folic acid and zinc sulfate had an increased sperm count, while another study showed that women who took 4 mg per day of folic acid had reduced their risk of having a child born with neural tube defects. Who can benefit: Both women and men can benefit from taking folic acid. In men, folic acid can boost sperm count and increase chances of conceiving. Women who are trying to get pregnant should consider taking folic acid so that it can help prevent birth defects.

L-carnitine

What it is: L-carnitine is an amino acid that is produced naturally in the body and which helps our bodies produce energy. It is vital for healthy heart and brain function, in addition to muscle movement. It is commonly given to those with heart issues to increase their exercise ability. What studies show: L-carnitine has been shown to play an important role in maintaining male fertility. A study found that by administering 3g of L-carnitine for three months to males with sub-fertility issues, the sperm count increased in 79 percent of patients. Other studies have also found similar results, making doctors seriously consider the use of L-carnitine to increase sub-fertility in males. Who can benefit: Men who have poor sperm health. L-carnitine will not have a significant difference in those who already have healthy sperm.

Vitamin E

What it does: Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is believed to have an important role in conditions relating to aging. While vitamin E deficiencies are rare, they do occur in people with genetic disorders, and this can lead to difficulties conceiving. Vitamin E is found in foods such as avocados, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, whole grains, and nuts. What studies show: Vitamin E deficiencies have been shown to interfere with reproduction function in both men and women. A 2012 study gave women with unexplained fertility 400 IU/day of vitamin E, and one group was not given vitamin E. The group that took vitamin E had a much greater endometrial response, making it easier to conceive. Another study found that vitamin E could improve the health of sperm in men. Currently, more research has been done on the effects of vitamin E in men rather than women. Who can benefit: Both men and women with unexplained fertility issues.