When it comes to conception, the right nutrition and supplements can play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a healthy pregnancy.
They fuel the body with essential nutrients required for boosting fertility and ensuring it is in peak condition to support a growing baby.
“The phrase ‘you are what you eat’ is especially true when trying to conceive - good dietary and lifestyle habits will set you in good stead for a healthy pregnancy,” explains Dr Gillian Lockwood, an expert in fertility medicine and consultant at Fertility Family.
"It’s essential for both partners to maintain a healthy and balanced diet when trying for a baby. Aim to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily to ensure you get enough vitamins, minerals, trace elements and antioxidants, and include options from all five food groups. Moderate exercise can boost fertility, so stay active, and cut back on alcohol, as it can disrupt hormone balance. You should also reduce caffeine intake and quit smoking, as both can negatively impact fertility,” adds Dr Lockwood.
Experts suggest that even healthy women with an ideal diet should consider a pre-pregnancy supplement to improve their chances of conception.
“Prenatal supplements may play a significant role in enhancing fertility by providing essential nutrients that are missing from the diet,” shares Dr Amit Shah – a gynaecologist and co-founder of the Fertility Plus clinic in Harley Street. “They may help to improve the quality of eggs and sperm, support hormonal balance and reduce the risk of miscarriage.”
What are the key ingredients to look for in a conception supplement?
When trying to conceive, certain nutrients play an important role in supporting fertility.
Dr Shah says: “You should look for folic acid, which is essential for preventing developmental abnormalities and supporting DNA synthesis. Vitamin D is important for hormone regulation and egg quality. Some supplements also contain coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10) which can help enhance egg quality and mitochondrial function in the cells.
Iron is important for ovulation and preventing anaemia and vitamin B6 aids hormonal balance. Omega-3 fatty acids may help improve egg quality and reduce inflammation.
Eating fatty fish and nuts can increase your omega-3 stores, but if you don’t consume enough, consider taking a supplement.
When it comes to men, zinc is critical for sperm quality and reproductive hormone balance while vitamin C can enhance its quality and motility.”
When is the right time to begin taking a conception supplement?
“Start at least three months before trying to get pregnant, to allow the body to build up nutrient levels to support reproductive health,” advises Dr Shah.
“Couples trying to conceive should not wait more than 12 months before seeking help, and six months if you are over 35, or either partner has known health factors,” shares Dr Lockwood.
How do I pick the right supplements?
“Check the labels - make sure the active ingredients are listed near the top and avoid products with unnecessary fillers or additives,” says Maz Packham, nutritional therapist and founder of Nourishful Nutrition. If you're unsure where to start, W-Wellness provide consultations with nutritionists and medical experts who can offer personalised supplement guidance.
Best conception supplements at a glance
- Best for overall conception support: Wild Nutrition Daily Essentials for Women's Fertility - £55.60, Wild Nutrition
- Best for those going through fertility treatment: Zita West Vitafem Premium Women’s Fertility Supplement - £28.99, Victoria Health
- Best for fertility supplement subscription: ARTAH Enhanced Fertility - £36, Artah
- Best for affordability: Pregnacare Conception Max - £25, Boots
- Best for traceable ingredients: Viridian Pro Conception Fertility for Women - £17.70, Harrods
- Best for use from conception to motherhood: Equi Pregnancy Formula - £49, Amazon
- Best for vegans: Inessa Pregnancy Multinutrient - £29.99, Inessa
- Best for males and females: Impryl - £49.16, Amazon
- Best for increasing sperm quality: Ross J. Barr Supplements Male Fertility Formula - £33, Victoria Health
- Best for supporting symptoms of infertility: Ovum Time to Conceive Supplement - £44, Amazon
Wild Nutrition Daily Essentials for Women's Fertility
Best for: Overall conception support
The formula includes folic acid, vitamins D, E, K, C, B12, and B6 to regulate hormones; iron aids cell division; iodine supports thyroid function and zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction.
The added omega-3 capsule helps hormonal regulation and foetal brain development.
While there are several capsules to take, they can be opened and mixed into smoothies for those who prefer not to swallow pills.
Buy now £55.60, Wild Nutrition
Zita West Vitafem Premium Women’s Fertility Supplement
Best for: Those going through fertility treatment
Zita West is a respected fertility guru and author. She developed these supplements to correct nutritional imbalances and prepare the body for conception. The formula is based on feedback from West’s IVF clinic, incorporating the latest scientific research and ingredients proven to have a positive impact. The capsules provide an array of nutrients, including 400µg of methylfolate - the active form of folic acid - and vitamins B12, B6, zinc, selenium and a range of antioxidants.
This jar comes filled with 60 capsules, offering a one-month supply. West recommends taking these for at least three to four months, with a dosage of two per day, to enhance your chances of conceiving. These are also suitable for vegans and they are dairy, gluten and yeast-free.
Buy now £28.99, Victoria Health
ARTAH Enhanced Fertility
Best for: Fertility supplement subscription
Formulated by nutritionist and Artah founder, Rhian Stephenson, this complex contains potent doses of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, designed to optimise hormone health, egg quality and foetal development.
Drawing from her own challenging journey to motherhood, Stephenson created these supplements to offer women a pure and potent formulation that she wishes she had. The three-a-day capsules contain high doses of nutrients, including CoQ-10, for improved egg quality and ovarian reserve. Antioxidant n-acetyl cysteine for ovulatory health, as well as alpha-lipoic acid - an anti-inflammatory phytonutrient that reduces oxidative stress, supports metabolic health and has a protective effect in early pregnancy. It’s also filled with methylfolate, a bioactive form of folic acid.
We love that you receive a complimentary fertility nutrition e-book with your purchase, plus you can save on future orders with the subscription offers.
Buy now £36.00, ARTAH
Vitabiotics Pregnacare Conception Max
Best for: Affordability
This conception multivitamin, crafted by a team of pharmacists and nutritional consultants, is backed by scientific research to provide essential nutritional support for women trying to conceive.
Designed to be taken as soon as you start trying for a baby, the three-a-day capsules contain all the recommended nutrients you need for a healthy conception journey such as l-methylfolate – the advanced form of folic acid, vitamins D, C, B3 and B12, biotin, iron, zinc, selenium, n-acetyl cysteine, and CoQ-10.
Plus, a high-purity omega-3 fish oil capsule provides essential fatty acids DHA and EPA for foetal development. Any remaining tablets can be used once you are pregnant.
Buy now £25.00, Boots
Viridian Pro Conception Fertility for Women
Best for: Traceable ingredients
Ideal for use at least 90 days prior to planned conception, this two-a-day vegan-friendly formula contains a blend of 18 vitamins, minerals and antioxidants formulated by nutritionists.
Key ingredients include folic acid to prevent neural tube defects, plus vitamins E and C to protect against oxidative stress and support immune health. Zinc and iron boost cognitive function, fertility, and energy levels, while selenium, vitamin B6 and copper regulate hormonal activity.
Viridian is a family-owned supplement brand that is committed to quality. Their products are made in the UK to GMP standards. They prioritise small batch production and every ingredient is fully traceable.
Buy now £18.00, Harrods
Equi Pregnancy Formula
Best for: Use from conception to motherhood
Packaged in a luxe-looking brown jar, this all-in-one multivitamin is suitable for women planning to get pregnant in the next three to six months. It’s brimming with 26 nutrients to nourish and balance the body from conception right through to pregnancy and motherhood.
It includes methylfolate - a natural form of folic acid to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, vitamin D3 to support a healthy immune system along with easily absorbable TRAACS® minerals to boost fertility, immunity and energy. The added CoQ-10 aids ovary health while vitamin B12 encourages foetal cell division in early pregnancy.
You need to take four capsules per day after a meal, and you can split the dose if preferred.
Buy now £49.00, Amazon
Inessa Pregnancy Multinutrient
Best for: Vegans
Vegan Society-registered, this supplement can be taken at every stage of pregnancy
Packed with vital vitamins and minerals, it nurtures the body throughout each trimester of pregnancy and can be used during the first year of motherhood too.
The formula is fortified with 26 essential vitamins and minerals like folate in its superior, methylated form, a non-constipating iron that is gentle on digestion and CoQ10 to support a healthy pregnancy. It also stands out for containing nutrients other brands overlook, like choline and iodine to support brain development, lutein and zeaxanthin to aid visual health plus organic ginger to alleviate nausea once you’re pregnant.
Buy now £29.99, Inessa
Impryl
Best for: Males and Females
Conception begins with the sperm and the egg, and the quality of these cells is dependent on maintaining a balanced cellular metabolism, which is achieved by a well-balanced diet. Suitable for both men and women, this vegan supplement is made from activated micronutrients to help every cell within the body.
The lactose and gluten-free formula is made from activated micronutrients, which means the body can use them right away, without needing to convert them first. It contains zinc, folic acid - in its activated form, vitamins B12 and B6, niacin, betaine and l-cystine. These micronutrients have been clinically proven to significantly improve live birth rates for couples who have previously struggled to get pregnant.
The once-daily capsule also supports the body in producing its a master antioxidant - glutathione, which helps keep the reproductive cells healthy and free from oxidative damage.
Buy now £49.16, Amazon
Ross J. Barr Supplements Male Fertility Formula
Best for: Increasing sperm quality
Around 30 percent of fertility problems are due to the male partner. Designed to support men trying to boost their sperm quality and chances of conception, these two-per day capsules have been developed by fertility specialist and herbalist Ross J. Barr.
Each pill contains a range of plant-derived nutrients including vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, copper manganese, iodine, choline, folic acid, calcium and high levels of zinc and selenium to improve sperm quality and motility. Given that sperm replenishes approximately every 90 days, consider taking these supplements three to six months before trying for a baby.
Suitable for vegetarians, they are free from gluten, wheat, starch, lactose and synthetic chemicals.
Buy now £33.00, Victoria Health
Ovum Time to Conceive Supplement
Best for: Supporting symptoms of infertility
These three-a-day tablets are perfect for women facing challenges like recurrent miscarriages, PCOS, irregular ovulation or endometriosis. They are also suitable for those on the path of IVF, ICSI, or IUI treatments.
Formulated in collaboration with fertility doctors, these supplements are based on current medical research. They feature ten key ingredients aimed at restoring ovulation, improving egg quality, and reducing the time to pregnancy.
Each capsule is filled with methylfolate - a superior form of folic acid, vitamins C, E, B6 and B12, zinc and high doses of antioxidants to protect eggs from oxidative damage. Ovum uses their own patented CoQ10 that is more readily absorbed to help generate energy in the cells.
Also, noteworthy – the brand conducts annual reviews of their formulations against the latest medical research, ensuring the supplements are aligned with scientific advancements.
Plus, they contribute 20 percent of their profits to fund fertility research, showing a genuine commitment to making a difference in reproductive health.
Buy now £44.00, Amazon
Verdict
Wild Nutrition Daily Essentials for Women's Fertility is a fantastic all-in-one choice for those trying to enhance their chances of conception.
Packed with all the nutrients and vitamins shown to support fertility and reproductive health - they address everything from hormone regulation and energy levels to immune support and mental well-being. The inclusion of an omega-3 fatty acid capsule is a cost-effective bonus, eliminating the need for a separate purchase.
Plus, the portable sachets are perfect for travel and those with busy lifestyles.
