Preconception Supplement Guide: How to Talk to Your Doctor

Many adults on their preconception journey focus their time and effort on prenatal care. But reproductive health starts before that and is equally important for your preconception wellness. This journey involves both partners building healthy lifestyle habits and making informed decisions to support their well-being — and that includes smart supplementation.

Keep in mind that supplements aren’t the entire picture of reproductive health and cannot substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. They can, however, enhance your wellness program to ensure you’re fueling your body with key nutrients. Understanding the lifestyle factors that influence your overall health helps you build a holistic approach to your preconception journey.

Below, we offer tips on how to talk to your doctor about supplements that promote preconception health, including Kaneka Ubiquinol^®, a bioavailable, science-backed antioxidant supplement that promotes reproductive health. This guide isn’t simply a supplement list: it offers strategies you can use to have informed, empowered conversations with your healthcare provider and stay up-to-date on some of your supplement options.

Read More: Explore Other Tips on Preparing for Healthy Conception

Why Your Doctor Should Advise Your Supplement Routine

When it comes to preconception, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to reproductive health for men or women. Preconception health depends on an individual’s age, genetics, health history, lifestyle, dietary patterns and restrictions, and social and environmental factors. Still, supplements can be an important option for every individual on their preconception journey.

The market is full of choices, but not all supplements are the same. Two key factors to consider when adding a supplement to your routine are bioavailability and supplement quality. Put simply, bioavailability is the extent to which the body can absorb and use a nutrient, and this can vary for a given ingredient based on its form and other criteria. No matter what supplement you choose, be sure you have done your research to understand the ingredient(s) and company behind it, so you can be confident that the supplement is science-backed, has undergone testing, and meets quality standards.

Working with a health professional who specializes in preconception and reproductive health can give you the expert-informed guidance you need to make the most informed health decisions. A study found that the vast majority of women (95.3%) preferred to receive information about preconception health from their primary care physician, but only 39% of women could recall their physician discussing the topic.¹

Getting started can feel overwhelming, but for women, the first step is choosing a women’s healthcare practitioner with a solid reputation for OB-GYN services, including preconception wellness and a holistic, couple-centered approach. It’s also important for men to optimize their preconception health by talking to their physician and seeking advice from a specialized men’s wellness center or reproductive urologist.

Finding the right health professional helps you get the knowledge you need to best support overall preconception wellness beginning at the cellular level, which is foundational to egg and sperm health.

Read More: Test Your Reproductive Health Vocabulary

Starting the Conversation: Your Guide to Talking to Your Doctor About Preconception Supplements

Talking to a healthcare professional about preconception health might sound overwhelming, and that’s okay. The biggest hurdle is simply starting the conversation. Begin by letting your doctor know you’re thinking about your reproductive health and want to learn more about building healthy lifestyle habits you can maintain over time. From there, the following questions and conversation starters can help guide a more informed discussion.

Read More: Our Tips on Having a Positive Preconception Health Mindset

“What Are My Nutritional Gaps and Health Needs?”

Everyone is different, so understanding your unique nutritional picture is essential. Working with your specialized healthcare provider to understand your current nutritional status and requirements for preconception wellness is an important step for setting your journey up for success. Here are some ways to open that conversation:

• Request blood work to identify nutrient deficiencies or sub-optimal levels
• Before or during preconception, both partners should check their levels — men may be deficient in folate, vitamin D, and zinc, while women often fall short on iron, calcium, and vitamins D, B6, folate (B9), and B12
• Ask how to promote preconception wellness if you have difficulty eating a balanced diet or have dietary restrictions
• Discuss how your activity level might impact your nutritional needs, particularly if you engage in high-intensity exercise

“Should My Partner Take Supplements Too?”

Data shows that the health of both partners influences a couple’s preconception success, even though many people falsely believe that women’s reproductive health is more important. Your healthcare provider can explain the value of male and female reproductive health and help you and your partner tackle this journey both individually and as a team.

One key factor for both partners’ preconception wellness is cellular health, in which antioxidants play a key role. Antioxidant nutrients, including certain vitamins and minerals, support healthy egg and sperm function — and a lack of them can impact both reproductive and overall health.

Read More: Discover the Role of Antioxidants in Preconception

“How Do I Know If My Supplements Are High Quality?”

Not all supplements on the market are created equal, and it can be difficult to know how to choose a high-quality supplement. When discussing supplement quality with your doctor, Kaneka Ubiquinol^® is worth bringing up: it’s the active antioxidant form of CoQ10 that promotes preconception health and overall wellness. Kaneka Ubiquinol^® is a trustworthy addition to your supplement routine, as it:

• Undergoes rigorous testing
• Meets established quality standards
• Is bioidentical to the naturally occurring ubiquinol in the body
• Is the only ubiquinol produced in the U.S.
• Promotes other health goals like healthy aging, heart health, cellular wellness, and more

Look for the Kaneka Quality Seal on bottles of ubiquinol in the supplement aisle to ensure you’re getting genuine Kaneka Ubiquinol^®.

Kaneka Ubiquinol^®: Cellular Health Support for Your Preconception Journey

“What Is Ubiquinol & Does It Matter for Preconception?”

As the active antioxidant form of CoQ10, ubiquinol is integral to whole-body wellness, including preconception health. However, the body’s natural production of ubiquinol declines with age, which can result in an imbalance between the body’s antioxidant defenses and free radicals. This imbalance, called “oxidative stress,” is known to impact a variety of cellular health factors, including mitochondria and reproductive cell function.

Healthy sperm and eggs (called oocytes before fully mature) are crucial for preconception health. Oocytes and eggs contain the greatest number of mitochondria of any cell, and both male and female reproductive cells have high cellular energy demands because of their developmental needs and role in the reproductive process.² Both partners need healthy mitochondria for reproductive health, and taking a daily Kaneka Ubiquinol^® supplement can promote preconception health, thanks to its key role in supporting mitochondrial function and ability to neutralize free radicals.^3,4

“What Should I Know About Taking Kaneka Ubiquinol^® for Preconception?”

If you’re considering adding a Kaneka Ubiquinol^® supplement to your routine, we recommend discussing it with a specialized healthcare provider in the reproductive health space for the most accurate, personalized guidance, including the ubiquinol dosage that is right for you.

In the meantime, Kaneka is here to help. You might have questions like when to take it, how much to take, and more. For example, you might be wondering

• “How does Kaneka Ubiquinol^® benefit my preconception health goals?”
• “What is the recommended dosage of Kaneka Ubiquinol^®?”
• “Can I take Kaneka Ubiquinol^® with my current supplements or medications?
• “When should I incorporate Kaneka Ubiquinol^® into my preconception journey?”

Read More: Explore Our FAQ Page for More Info on Kaneka Ubiquinol^®

Supplements: How to Talk to Your Doctor

While Kaneka Ubiquinol^® is an important supplement to discuss with your reproductive health specialist, it’s just one part of a comprehensive preconception supplement conversation. Expert recommendations generally suggest beginning supplementation at least three months in advance of your preconception phase.

It’s important to be prepared for your doctor’s visit with specific areas or questions you have regarding preconception health. Below are a few supplements that you might want to discuss with your doctor during your next appointment:

Calcium & Reproductive Health

Calcium is most commonly associated with strong bones and teeth, but its role in reproductive health runs deeper than many people realize. Getting enough calcium supports nerve function and muscle contraction — all of which play a role in the preconception process.

The good news is that many people get a meaningful amount of calcium through food sources like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods. However, individual needs vary, especially if you’re dairy-free, vegan, or have a condition that affects nutrient absorption. Your doctor can help you assess whether your current intake is sufficient or whether a supplement makes sense for your preconception plan.

Iron and Preconception

Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your organs and tissues, and supports immune function and healthy ovulation.Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to your organs and tissues, and supports immune function and healthy ovulation.⁵ Low iron levels have been associated with irregular cycles and may affect egg availability and fertility. Because the body’s demand for iron increases significantly after conception, getting enough iron during the preconception phase is an important preparation step.

It’s worth knowing that not all iron supplements are created equal, and taking too much iron can cause its own set of problems. Your doctor can run a simple blood test to check your iron levels and recommend the right type and dosage for your individual needs to ensure you are maintaining a healthy level of iron.

Folate (and Methylfolate) for Preconception Health

You might be wondering: what’s the difference between folate and folic acid? Folate is a naturally occurring B vitamin essential for many biological processes linked to preconception health. Folic acid is a synthetic and extensively researched form of folate that is commonly used in supplements and added to fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals. Women who consume adequate levels of folic acid (400-800 mcg per day) during their childbearing years may reduce their risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect.

It’s important to be aware that the terms “folate” and “folic acid” are sometimes used interchangeably, which can lead to confusion. While most people can efficiently process folic acid, some people have a genetic variation that affects their ability to convert it into usable folate. In that case, your doctor may recommend a supplement with another FDA-recognized form of folate, such as methylfolate (or L-5-MTHF), and monitor your folate levels.

Be sure you talk to your doctor about the best source of folate for you, and have your folate levels checked to ensure you’re maintaining adequate levels. You should also be sure your intake of folic acid does not exceed the FDA’s safe upper limit of 1,000 mcg (1 mg) per day.

Zinc for Reproductive Health

Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a meaningful role in reproductive health for both partners. For men, zinc supports sperm quality and healthy testosterone levels, and both are key in male reproductive wellness.⁶ For women, zinc contributes to healthy ovulation, which is foundational to the preconception journey.⁷

Many people get adequate zinc through dietary sources like meat, shellfish, legumes, nuts, and seeds, but intake levels vary widely depending on diet and individual absorption. Vegetarians and vegans, however, may be at higher risk for low or sub-optimal zinc levels. Your doctor can assess whether your current intake meets your needs and whether a supplement is recommended. A simple blood panel can give you and your provider the clarity you need to make a confident, informed decision.

These are only a few of the nutrients that may affect preconception health, and many others can also impact reproductive wellness. Your doctor can evaluate your current supplement regimen and do blood tests to help you determine whether you are meeting recommended nutrient intake levels during the preconception phase.

The Right Mindset: Preconception Supplements as a Long-Term Investment

Preconception supplements provide important support for reproductive health, but they aren’t the whole picture. Mindset, lifestyle habits, a support system, and professional guidance are all essential for you and your partner on your reproductive health journey. Keep these simple insights in mind:

• Think Long-Term, Not Quick Fixes: Preconception health starts before prenatal care. It’s at least a three-to-six-month commitment, and consistency is key: you don’t have to be perfect.
• Both Partners, One Team: You and your partner share responsibility. You can make preconception health part of your routine as a couple with small, shared activities like daily walks or meal prepping together.
• Lean Into Your Community: A support system is key to staying emotionally and mentally grounded during your preconception journey, and this includes finding a healthcare provider you trust and including them in your circle of support.

Preparing for Your Preconception Appointment

Being well prepared for your preconception appointment can have positive impacts on your health. If you’re ready to start discussing your preconception journey at your next doctor’s visit, the following tips can help you get started:

• Bring your current supplement list with you
• Ask about getting comprehensive blood work done, including nutrient levels
• Discuss lifestyle habits that promote reproductive health, such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction
• Schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress over time
• Don’t forget to ask questions about your partner’s health, if applicable

Remember: supplements aren’t the entire picture of reproductive health. Understanding other key factors — like lifestyle habits, diet, and stress management — helps you build a truly holistic approach to your preconception wellness.

The Importance of Empowered Conversations

Being proactive and working with your doctor during your preconception journey helps you receive personalized care and a wellness plan tailored to your lifestyle and individual nutritional needs. This ensures you have the information you need to make the best-informed decisions at every step along the way.

Kaneka Ubiquinol^® might not be the only supplement you’re considering during preconception, but its antioxidant protection makes it an essential player in promoting cellular function and reproductive health for men and women. Kaneka Ubiquinol^® is here to help you through every stage of life as a science-backed, bioavailable supplement option that promotes cellular health, preconception health, and overall wellness.

Read More: See Our Tips for Couples

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1 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1592249/
2  Bentov Y, Casper RF. The aging oocyte–can mitochondrial function be improved? Fertil Steril. 2013 Jan;99(1):18-22.
3 Alleva R, Scararmucci A, Mantero F, Bompadre S, Leoni L, Littarru GP. The protective role of ubiquinol-10 against formation of lipid hydroperoxides in human seminal fluid.  Molecular Aspects of Medicine, 1997 18(1):221-228.
4  Zhu Z, Xu W, Liu L. Ovarian aging: mechanisms and intervention strategies. Medical Review 2022 Nov;2(6):590–610.
5 Chavarro JE, Rich-Edwards JW, Rosner BA, Willett WC. Iron intake and risk of ovulatory infertility. Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Nov;108(5):1145-52.
6  Fallah A, Mohammad-Hasani A, Colagar AH. Zinc is an Essential Element for Male Fertility: A Review of Zn Roles in Men’s Health, Germination, Sperm Quality, and Fertilization. J Reprod Infertil. 2018 Apr-Jun;19(2):69-81.
7 Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, Diaz FJ. Role of zinc in female reproduction. Biol Reprod. 2021 May 7;104(5):976-994.