Supplements — What’s Helpful vs Noise

Key Takeaways

• Only a small number of supplements actually improve fertility or pregnancy outcomes.
• Many marketed products lack evidence, are overdosed, or unnecessary.
• Prenatal vitamins are essential—everything else depends on labs, symptoms, and medical need.
• Surrogacy-specific supplement plans require documentation and physician approval.
• More supplements ≠ better results; excess can cause harm.
• Personalized testing should guide supplement choices—not social media trends.

The supplement world is loud. Every brand promises better egg quality, stronger implantation, faster conception, or a healthier pregnancy. But in reality, only a handful of supplements have strong evidence behind them. Whether you are an intended parent preparing for IVF, a surrogate carrying a pregnancy, or an expectant mother trying to do the right thing, this guide will help you separate what’s truly helpful from what’s just expensive noise.

The Core Supplements That Actually Matter

These are the supplements with the strongest research backing and universal medical acceptance.

Folic Acid / Methylfolate

• Prevents neural tube defects.
• Recommended for all women trying to conceive and throughout pregnancy.
• Some individuals with MTHFR variants may benefit from methylfolate.

Prenatal Multivitamin

A high-quality prenatal includes:

• Folate
• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• Iodine
• B-complex

This is the foundation—everything else is based on need.

Vitamin D

• Supports implantation, immune balance, bone health.
• Many women are deficient.
• Blood testing is ideal to determine the correct dose.

Omega-3 DHA

• Essential for fetal brain development.
• Reduces inflammation.
• Beneficial in both fertility and pregnancy.

Iron (If Deficient)

• Only required if labs show anemia or low ferritin.

Probiotics (Certain Strains Only)

• May support gut and vaginal microbiome health.
• Helps reduce constipation during pregnancy.

Helpful for Some, Not Needed for All

These supplements can be beneficial, but only in the right context.

CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)

• Known to support mitochondrial function.
• Useful in older fertility patients or diminished ovarian reserve.
• Not required for everyone.

Myo-inositol

• Helpful for women with PCOS.
• Supports insulin regulation and ovulation.
• Not necessary if you do not have metabolic issues.

Magnesium

• Can help with sleep, muscle cramps, and constipation.
• Generally safe but choose pregnancy-safe forms like glycinate.

B12

• Required for vegans, vegetarians, and women with absorption issues.
• Should be guided by bloodwork.

Supplements That Are Mostly Noise

These products are widely marketed—often with little to no evidence.

“Egg Quality Boosters”

Many contain:

• Royal jelly
• Maca
• Random herbal blends
• “Proprietary fertility complexes”

Evidence: weak to non-existent.

Collagen Powders

Popular but unnecessary for pregnancy outcomes.

Non-specific Herbal Blends

Many:

• Lack standardization
• Interact with medications
• Are unsafe in pregnancy
• Are not tested for purity

Detox Supplements

Not only unnecessary—can be harmful during conception and pregnancy.

Supplements to Avoid in Pregnancy

• High-dose Vitamin A
• Dong quai
• Ginseng
• Licorice root
• Black cohosh
• Weight-loss supplements
• CBD or THC-containing products

Always avoid anything labeled “hormone-balancing” unless prescribed.

Case Study: A Surrogate Overwhelmed by Supplement Advice

Alyssa, a gestational surrogate, came to her OB-GYN with a list of 17 supplements recommended by friends and influencers. After a full evaluation, her team narrowed this down to:

• Prenatal
• DHA
• Vitamin D (based on labs)
• Iron (mild deficiency)

Everything else was unnecessary. Within weeks, her nausea improved, and her budget dropped significantly. The intended parents appreciated having a clear, medically supervised plan with no risks of unsafe herbal products.

Testimonials

1. Maya, Intended Parent:
“Understanding which supplements actually matter helped us avoid wasting money during IVF. Our care team loved the clarity.”

2. Jordan, Expectant Mom:
“I used to think more supplements meant a healthier pregnancy. This guide changed everything for me.”

3. Priya, Surrogate:
“My contract required approval for all supplements. Having a clear list made communication with the intended parents so much easier.”

Expert Quote

“Evidence-based supplementation is simple: meet essential nutrient needs, correct deficiencies, and ignore the noise. More is not better—right is better.”
— Dr. Kavita Sharma, Reproductive Endocrinologist

Related Links 

• PCOS and Thyroid Cross‑Talk — Metabolic Basics
• Male Autoimmunity — Less Discussed, Still Relevant
• Monitoring Plan — Labs and Visit Cadence
• Medication Safety in Pregnancy — Practical Guide

Glossary

Methylfolate: Active form of folate used by the body.
DHA: Omega-3 fatty acid essential for fetal brain development.
PCOS: Polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal condition affecting ovulation.
Antioxidants: Compounds that reduce oxidative stress in cells.
Ferritin: Storage form of iron in the body.
Proprietary Blend: A supplement formula that hides ingredient amounts.
Herbal Adaptogens: Herbs marketed for stress but not studied in pregnancy.

FAQ 

Q. Do I need supplements if I eat a healthy diet?

Ans. Even with an excellent diet, pregnancy increases nutrient demands—especially folate, iron, iodine, and DHA. Most women benefit from a prenatal vitamin to meet these requirements. Supplements fill gaps but shouldn’t replace whole foods. Your provider may personalize recommendations based on labs and symptoms.

Q. Are fertility supplements necessary when undergoing IVF?

Ans. Some supplements, like CoQ10 and prenatal vitamins, are commonly recommended for egg quality and baseline health. But many over-marketed “fertility boosters” show no improvement in IVF success rates. Your protocol should be individualized based on age, ovarian reserve, and medical history—not generic supplement plans sold online.

Q. Is it safe to take herbal supplements?

Ans. Usually not. Herbs are poorly regulated, may contain contaminants, and can impact hormones or uterine function. Many herbs that claim to support fertility can actually cause contractions or interfere with medications. Always consult your physician before taking any herbal product.

Q. Can supplements improve egg quality?

Ans. Only a few have meaningful evidence—mainly CoQ10, Vitamin D (if deficient), and omega-3s. Egg quality is influenced more by age, genetics, lifestyle, and medical conditions than supplements alone.

Q. What should intended parents know about supplements when working with a surrogate?

Ans. Supplement use must be disclosed and approved by the medical team. Surrogates are often restricted from using certain herbal blends or multivitamins that are not third-party tested. Intended parents should ensure supplement lists are documented in the medical and legal agreements.

Q. How do I choose a good prenatal vitamin?

Ans. Look for one with:

• 400–800 mcg folate
• 150 mcg iodine
• 18–27 mg iron
• 600 IU vitamin D
• DHA (ideally 200–300 mg)

Avoid prenatals with “proprietary blends” or herbal additives.

Q. Should I take supplements if I’m using donor eggs or donor embryos?

Ans. Yes. Supplements support maternal health and pregnancy outcomes even if donor gametes are used. Prenatal vitamins, DHA, and vitamin D (if low) are still beneficial.

Q. Can supplements be harmful in pregnancy?

Ans. Absolutely. High doses of Vitamin A, herbal blends, detox products, and certain minerals can cause harm. More does not mean safer—many complications arise from excessive supplementation.

Q. What lab tests help guide supplement choices?

Ans. Common tests include:

• Vitamin D
• Ferritin
• B12
• Thyroid panel
• HbA1c
• Omega-3 index (optional)
  Lab-guided supplementation prevents guesswork and overdosing.

Q. Can supplements replace medications?

Ans. Not during pregnancy. Supplements may support overall health but do not treat medical conditions like anemia, thyroid disease, or hypertension. Medications and supplements serve different roles.

Q. Do men need supplements when trying to conceive?

Ans. Men benefit from antioxidants (Vitamin C, CoQ10), zinc, and lifestyle changes—but results vary. Supplements can support sperm health, but significant improvements come from treating underlying medical issues.

Q. When should I stop taking fertility supplements?

Ans. Most fertility supplements can be discontinued once pregnancy is confirmed unless recommended otherwise. The focus shifts to prenatal care, not egg development. Your doctor will guide timing based on your unique case.