Multivitamin supplementation and fertility
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Multivitamin Supplementation and Female Fertility Outcomes
Research shows that multivitamin supplementation may have a positive effect on female fertility. Several studies found that women who took multivitamins before conception had higher conception rates and achieved pregnancy in a shorter time compared to those who took only trace elements or placebo 26. Some studies also observed an association between multivitamin use and increased pregnancy rates, as well as higher levels of certain vitamins like B6 in fertile women 34. However, while these findings are promising, researchers note that the evidence is not strong enough for general recommendations due to methodological limitations in the studies .
In women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF or ICSI, multivitamin supplementation—especially those containing resveratrol—was linked to improved biological markers, including a higher number of mature follicles, oocytes, and embryos, as well as better fertilization rates. However, these improvements did not translate into significantly higher clinical pregnancy rates . Additionally, multivitamin and mineral supplementation helped normalize important trace element levels (such as copper, zinc, and selenium) in women undergoing IVF, which may support reproductive health .
Multivitamin Supplementation and Male Fertility
For men, multivitamin and antioxidant supplementation has been shown to improve several semen parameters. Studies report significant increases in semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, vitality, and normal morphology after supplementation with multivitamin complexes containing antioxidants and trace elements 78. Supplements containing resveratrol, in particular, were found to increase sperm concentration and motility in men with idiopathic infertility . Survey-based research also indicates that most men who used multivitamins perceived improvements in their fertility and semen quality, especially when combined with positive lifestyle changes .
Broader Impacts and Considerations
While multivitamin supplementation appears to offer some benefits for both male and female fertility, the overall impact on clinical pregnancy rates and live births is less clear. Some studies found an increased rate of multiple births with multivitamin use, but no significant effect on rates of fetal death, low birth weight, or preterm birth in singletons 56. The preventive effect of multivitamins against neural tube defects is well established, but their broader impact on fertility outcomes requires further investigation 45.
Conclusion
Multivitamin supplementation may improve certain biological markers of fertility in both women and men, such as conception rates, oocyte and embryo quality, and semen parameters 1234+4 MORE. However, the evidence for a direct effect on clinical pregnancy rates and live births is limited, and more rigorous studies are needed. Multivitamin use, especially when combined with healthy lifestyle changes, may be a helpful supportive strategy for individuals or couples facing fertility challenges, but individualized recommendations and further research are necessary.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic