When we think of fertility, conversations often focus on egg quality, age, or hormonal balance, mostly from a woman’s perspective. But fertility is not a one-sided equation. The ability to conceive and sustain a healthy pregnancy depends on the nutritional health of both partners. Micronutrients – the vitamins and minerals required by the body in tiny amounts- may be small in size but play a massive role in the reproductive process.
These nutrients support everything from hormone production and sperm development to egg quality and embryo implantation. While diet alone cannot guarantee conception, nourishing the body with the right balance of micronutrients can create the ideal environment for it.
Micronutrients: The Foundation Of Fertility
“Micronutrients don’t provide energy like proteins
or carbohydrates, but they regulate hormones, support cell function, and protect against cellular stress,” explains Dr Kshitiz Murdia, CEO & Whole-Time Director of Indira IVF Hospital Limited. He adds, “Balanced micronutrient intake is key to reproductive health for both partners, as deficiencies can disrupt ovulation, reduce sperm quality, and affect embryo development.”
According to Dr. Murdia, important nutrients for women include folate, B vitamins, vitamin D, iodine, selenium, zinc, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E. These support ovarian function, hormone balance, and egg health. “Low levels of these nutrients have been linked to irregular ovulation, compromised embryo development, and lower implantation rates,” he notes.
Fertility Isn’t Just A Woman’s Issue
“Fertility is often discussed in the context of women, but men equally contribute to conception and their nutritional status matters just as much,” says Dr. Vaishali Chaudhary, Director – IVF & Fertility, Sahyadri Hospitals MomStory, Pune. She explains that micronutrients help in sperm production, increase total count, quality, and motility, while also protecting reproductive cells from oxidative stress.
Dr. Chaudhary highlights folate as a key example: “It’s well-known for preventing birth defects in women, but folate also plays a major role in sperm production, emphasising the importance of good nutrition for both partners.”
Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and minerals such as zinc and selenium, are vital for protecting reproductive cells. “Zinc is critical for testosterone production and sperm growth, while antioxidants protect egg cells during development,” she adds.
Beyond Vitamins: The Power Of Balance
Iron aids ovulation and prevents anaemia, while iodine supports thyroid balance, which is essential for hormone regulation in both sexes. Vitamin D, often deficient in modern diets, improves egg quality and sperm motility. Even omega-3 fatty acids, though not technically micronutrients, enhance blood flow to reproductive organs and help maintain hormonal harmony.
Nutrition doesn’t transform fertility overnight. It’s a gradual process that builds the foundation for better reproductive health and, ultimately, a healthier pregnancy. Micronutrients work quietly behind the scenes by balancing hormones, improving cellular function, and ensuring both partners are at their healthiest before conception.
Fertility, after all, is not just about the number of eggs or sperm. It’s about the quality of health that both bring to the process. With balanced nutrition and mindful supplementation, couples can give themselves the best possible start on their journey to parenthood.
/images/ppid_a911dc6a-image-176085011445997460.webp)
