Vitamin E for Fertility: Everything To Know

Knowledge Center Vitamin E for Fertility: A Guide for Those Trying to Conceive

A young woman holds up a liquid gel capsule, presumably taking vitamin E for fertility.

Focusing on your health is key when planning to start a family, and natural supplements are a great way to support your health and fertility during this time. By taking supplements, you’re ensuring that your body gets the resources it needs for optimal functioning.

One popular supplement for fertility is vitamin E — an important nutrient and antioxidant found in various foods, including spinach, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and more. Taking vitamin E fertility supplements can help you get more of this nutrient than you would naturally consume through your diet. So, let’s explore the link between vitamin E and fertility, and how it benefits people trying to conceive. 

 

Is Vitamin E Good for Fertility?

When you’re trying to conceive, so many supplements and potential fertility treatments may be recommended that you probably want to understand what sets vitamin E apart. So, exactly how does vitamin E help with fertility? 

Vitamin E is one of many key nutrients that the human body requires to stay healthy, and it’s one of many important vitamins for fertility and reproductive function — for both female and male fertility. For women, taking vitamin E helps keep the entire reproductive system healthy 1 and can assist in preventing gynecological conditions that negatively affect fertility. For men, vitamin E can help improve sperm motility,2 which increases the chances of successful conception. 

In addition to supporting the reproductive system, vitamin E also serves as an antioxidant,3 which means that it protects cells from stress caused by free radicals. On top of that, vitamin E plays a broader role in the immune system,4 helping the body fight off illness. Since some illnesses and oxidative stressors can negatively affect fertility,5 taking vitamin E can also be a helpful preventative measure.

Vitamin E has many benefits for the reproductive system and overall health, making it a very beneficial supplement to take when trying to conceive. As with any supplement, taking vitamin E for conception should be done in cooperation with your doctor to avoid any potential interactions or complications. 

 

Benefits of Vitamin E for Fertility

Vitamin E is an important part of any diet, regardless of whether you’re trying to get pregnant or not. However, it can be particularly helpful for those actively trying to start a family or those considering starting a family in the near future. Here are the most essential benefits of taking vitamin E for fertility.

Enhances Egg Quality

Vitamin E protects and supports the female reproductive system in several ways, including helping improve egg quality.6 The higher the egg quality, the better the chances of it becoming a healthy embryo and surviving a successful pregnancy, which is why this is so important for fertility. 

Since Vitamin E is an antioxidant, it boosts the immune system and fights off cell damage. Taking vitamin E can help your body defend itself from health conditions that could lower the quality of your eggs. Additionally, vitamin E improves blood flow7 throughout the body, including to the uterus. Consistently good blood flow ensures that the ovaries get enough oxygen, which helps them produce high-quality eggs.

Supports Sperm Health

Vitamin E isn’t just for female fertility. Men taking vitamin E for sperm quality can also help increase the chance of conception because it can help improve sperm motility,2 leading to an increased chance of the sperm reaching the egg successfully. While it’s still possible to conceive with low sperm motility, it can be challenging, as fewer sperm will be able to reach the egg successfully. 

This happens because vitamin E prevents the production of reactive oxygen species,8 or ROS, during important sperm development processes in the male reproductive system. ROS can lead to lipid peroxidation in the sperm, which can cause free radical damage and affect overall sperm health. 

So, research indicates that vitamin E benefits sperm motility, but does vitamin E increase sperm volume? Studies show that taking vitamin E supplements in conjunction with other antioxidants could improve sperm count.9 This indicates that vitamin E could increase sperm volume, but further research on vitamin E supplements independently would be needed to confirm this. Having a high sperm count can increase the chances of conception with each ejaculation, as there is a higher chance that at least one sperm will successfully make it to the egg. 

Reduces Inflammation

One of the biggest health benefits of vitamin E is its ability to reduce inflammation3 throughout the body, which is essential since we know that chronic inflammation10 can have a negative effect on fertility. Reproductive inflammation is a particularly common symptom of hormonal conditions like PCOS and endometriosis. 

In particular, inflammation can interfere with hormone production11 and endometrial function. Without healthy, balanced hormones, it becomes difficult for the body to ovulate consistently, which can make it difficult to conceive. Vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory effects help keep the reproductive system healthy so it can function properly. 

Increases Implantation Success Rates

Implantation is a very important stage in the gestation process, and it can set your body up for a healthy pregnancy. Taking vitamin E can help the implantation process happen successfully. During implantation, the fertilized embryo attaches to the uterus, where it can grow securely. This step typically happens eight to nine days after the egg is initially fertilized, and it causes important hormonal changes that mark the start of a pregnancy. The placenta also starts to develop during this time, which helps the embryo get the nutrients it needs to grow. 

If the fertilized egg fails to implant correctly, it will not be able to develop into a healthy embryo. Studies indicate that taking vitamin E is beneficial for women who struggle with chronic implantation failure12 and it can help increase the thickness of the uterus so it can better support a healthy embryo. 

Promotes Healthy Menstrual Cycles

Vitamin E supplements also help support a healthy, regular menstrual cycle. When your menstrual cycle is regular, it’s easier to track. This means it will be easier to identify when you’re ovulating and plan your intercourse to increase the chances of conception. 

Vitamin E supplements help with this by regulating hormone production. While these hormonal changes haven’t been studied in women trying to conceive, they have been extensively researched in women with postmenopausal hormone imbalances. These studies have found that vitamin E helps manage some of the symptoms associated with high estrogen levels.13

If you struggle with painful cramps14 and uncomfortably heavy periods, taking vitamin E can also help you manage these symptoms. Since vitamin E has anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing effects, it can help mitigate these problems and make your periods less painful. While this doesn’t directly affect fertility, it can help you live more comfortably. 

Thickens Cervical Mucus

Cervical mucus is a fluid discharge released by the cervix, and it is heavily influenced by hormone levels. Thick cervical mucus supports healthy conception, and in a healthily functioning reproductive system, cervical mucus will naturally thicken in the days leading up to ovulation. A thick cervical mucus is important for conception,15 as it helps sperm stay alive longer and makes it easier for them to reach the egg safely. 

Taking vitamin E can help improve the production of cervical mucus. This is because vitamin E affects hormonal function and the overall health of the reproductive system1. Studies have also found that women who struggle with unexplained infertility also have very low levels of vitamin E16 present in their cervical mucus. 

 

How to Choose the Right Vitamin E Supplement

There are so many vitamin E supplements on the market today that you’ll want to be discerning when choosing yours. It’s best to consult with your doctor when choosing a supplement to ensure it’s the right fit for your needs, as they can help recommend the right dosage based on your size, current diet, and healthcare needs. 

Something else to keep in mind is that many vitamin E supplements contain other ingredients. If you opt for a multivitamin containing vitamin E, be sure to assess the other ingredients present. Ideally, look for a supplement with other fertility-friendly ingredients. 

You’ll also need to consider whether to take natural or synthetic vitamin E supplements. Many people prefer natural vitamin E supplements because they are more potent,17 although both options can be effective in the right dosage. Most vitamin E supplements are fat-soluble, but some water-soluble versions are on the market. You might prefer a water-soluble option if you have a condition that makes it difficult for your body to absorb fat, such as celiac disease or malabsorption syndrome. 

 

How to Take Vitamin E When Trying to Conceive

We know that taking vitamin E has a wide range of benefits for your reproductive system, regardless of your stage of life. However, if your goal is increasing your chance of conception, there are some considerations to keep in mind that may work in your favor.

Timing

If you’re just starting supplements, you might wonder when to take vitamin E for fertility. Vitamin E can be taken at any time of the day, but it’s best to take it consistently at the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels and avoid excessive intake. As a fat-soluble vitamin, it should be taken with a meal to enhance absorption. Many people take vitamin E in the morning with breakfast or at night with dinner, but there isn’t currently any research indicating whether one time is better than the other. 

Some studies have found that taking vitamin E in the days leading up to your menstrual cycle can help reduce PMS symptoms and dysmenorrhea.14 This can be particularly helpful if you’re struggling with PCOS, endometriosis, or other conditions that can cause painful periods. 

You can also take vitamin E throughout your cycle to encourage healthy hormone balance. Taking vitamin E in the days leading up to ovulation could be particularly beneficial, as cervical mucus and endometrial thickness are crucial during this time. 

Dosage

You may also be wondering how much vitamin E for fertility to take. The current recommended daily allowance of vitamin E is 15 milligrams. However, many supplements are significantly higher, with doses ranging from 100 mg to 1000 mg.1

Work with your doctor to determine which dose makes sense for you based on your health and diet. It’s best to avoid taking more than 1000 mg of vitamin E daily, as this could lead to adverse effects, like an increased risk of bleeding.18

Duration

Most people can take vitamin E supplements continuously as long as they stay under the threshold of 1000 mg per day. This is particularly true if it’s part of a balanced daily vitamin for overall wellness. However, it’s still best to check in with your doctor regularly to make sure that vitamin E is safe for you. This is particularly important as you move through different stages of your fertility journey. 

Once you conceive, discuss your supplement regimen with your doctor to ensure it’s still safe to take. If your doctor is concerned about your health, they may recommend alternatives or a lower dose. 

 

Boost Your Fertility with FertilitySmart 

Vitamin E is one of many important nutrients for healthy fertility and conception. You can get vitamin E from a balanced diet or take supplements to boost your levels and ensure you’re consuming the correct amount. 

At FertilitySmart, we offer both fertility supplements for women and fertility supplements for men. Each contains a blend of important nutrients for fertility and reproductive health. In addition to Vitamin E, our products also contain minerals like magnesium, zinc, and CoQ10 for fertility. Each formula is also specifically formulated with scientifically proven ingredients for female and male reproductive systems. 

If you’re planning on starting a family or have questions about how to increase ovulation naturally, we can help — try our supplements today to get started. 

Citations

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  2. Ghafarizadeh, Ali Asghar, et al. “The Effect of Vitamin E on Sperm Motility and Viability in Asthenoteratozoospermic Men: In Vitro Study.” Andrologia, 24 Nov. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1111/and.13891.
  3. Rizvi, Saliha, et al. “The Role of Vitamin E in Human Health and Some Diseases.” Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal, vol. 14, no. 2, 2014, pp. e157-65, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997530/.
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  5. Pizzorno, Joseph. “Environmental Toxins and Infertility.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), vol. 17, no. 2, 2018, pp. 8–11, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6396757/.
  6. Mohd Mutalip, Siti Syairah, et al. “Vitamin E as an Antioxidant in Female Reproductive Health.” Antioxidants, vol. 7, no. 2, 26 Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5836012/, https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox7020022.
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  10.  Alesi, Simon, et al. “Anti-Inflammatory Diets in Fertility: An Evidence Review.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 19, 1 Jan. 2022, p. 3914, www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/19/3914, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14193914.
  11.  Weiss, Gerson, et al. “Inflammation in Reproductive Disorders.” Reproductive Sciences, vol. 16, no. 2, Feb. 2009, pp. 216–229, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3107847/, https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719108330087.
  12. Hashemi, Zahra, et al. “The Effects of Vitamin E Supplementation on Endometrial Thickness, and Gene Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Inflammatory Cytokines among Women with Implantation Failure.” The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine: The Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians, vol. 32, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2019, pp. 95–102, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28847198/, https://doi.org/10.1080/14767058.2017.1372413.
  13. Stepan Feduniw, et al. “The Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation in Postmenopausal Women—a Systematic Review.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 1, 29 Dec. 2022, pp. 160–160, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9824658/, https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010160.
  14. Pakniat, Hamideh, et al. “Comparison of the Effect of Vitamin E, Vitamin D and Ginger on the Severity of Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Single-Blind Clinical Trial.” Obstetrics & Gynecology Science, vol. 62, no. 6, 1 Nov. 2019, pp. 462–468, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31777743, https://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2019.62.6.462.
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  16.  Almukhtar, Naseer & Al.Morshidy, Sahib & Edan, Ban. (2014). Vitamin E and C States in The Sera and Cervical Mucus Secretion of Infertile Female with Unexplained Infertility. 11. 675-691. 
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