It’s pretty standard for women to take a prenatal, and with good reason. Nutritional needs are higher before, during, and after pregnancy. What about men? While traditionally aimed at women, prenatal vitamins also contain essential nutrients that can benefit men’s health.
From supporting fertility and sperm health to promoting hair growth and overall wellness, these vitamins might be worth considering for men—especially those planning to start a family.
Can and Should Men Take Prenatal Vitamins?
The short answer is YES. Men can take prenatal vitamins, and in some cases, they should! Many of the nutrients found in prenatal vitamins—such as folate, antioxidants, and omega-3s—are essential for sperm health, energy levels and even hair growth. However, choosing a prenatal that aligns with male nutritional needs, such as one that doesn’t contain excessive iron, is important.
At this point, you may be wondering: Are prenatal vitamins good for men? Let's look at the data:
- Some research correlates infertility with oxidative stress, which can lead to cell damage. In one study, researchers found that antioxidant supplements, such as vitamins C, E, and CoQ10, improved semen parameters in infertile men.
- In a rodent study, paternal folate intake was shown to positively affect pregnancy and birth outcomes.
- A long-term study revealed a direct link between paternal health right before conception and the long-term health of offspring.
How Prenatal Vitamins Are Good for Men’s Fertility
While prenatal vitamins are typically associated with pregnancy, their nutrients can also support male fertility. Here’s how:
- Folate: Helps reduce chromosomal abnormalities in sperm, which can impact embryo health. However, note that as with women's preconception, there is no single nutrient like Folic Acid for men that alone will boost fertility or pregnancy outcomes. A combination of genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors influences all fertility outcomes.
- Antioxidants (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, CoQ10): It is estimated that oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant capacity in semen contribute to between 30% and 80% of infertility cases. Antioxidants protect sperm from oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to male infertility.
- Selenium: Supports sperm development and motility.
- L-Carnitine: Helps improve sperm quality, particularly in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) settings.
- Omega-3s: Research suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids support higher antioxidant activity in semen, higher sperm count, improved sperm motility, and more favorable sperm morphology (size and shape
Since sperm development takes about three months, it’s beneficial for men to start taking these nutrients well in advance of trying to conceive.
Health Benefits of Prenatals for Men
Beyond fertility, men may experience several long-term benefits from taking prenatal vitamins. From increased hair growth to higher energy levels, you may be surprised how great you feel when you add a men's prenatal vitamin to your routine.
Here are some of the long-term benefits:
- Hair Growth: Nutrients like biotin and omega-3s contribute to healthier, stronger hair.
- Improved Sperm Health: Folate, antioxidants, and omega-3s help protect sperm from DNA damage caused by free radicals, one of the leading causes of infertility
- Stronger Immunity: Zinc and vitamin C support immune function, helping the body fight infections.
- Heart Health: Omega-3s and B vitamins contribute to cardiovascular health.
- Energy Levels: B vitamins help with energy metabolism and reduce fatigue.
- Cognitive Function: DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, benefits brain health.
A complete men's fertility supplement, like Needed's Sperm Support +, can have benefits beyond starting or growing a family.
What Happens if Men Take Prenatal Vitamins Daily?
There are a lot of great benefits in prenatal vitamins, but there are some considerations as well:
- Iron Overload: Most prenatal vitamins contain iron, which men don’t need in high amounts. Excess iron can lead to digestive issues, fatigue, and even toxicity.
- Constipation & Nausea: Some men experience stomach discomfort from high doses of certain vitamins.
- Vitamin Imbalance: Prenatal vitamins may have higher levels of some nutrients than men require, so choosing a formula that aligns with male nutritional needs is important.
Considering the above, a separate prenatal supplement for men may be the best option if you consider adding one to your daily regimen.
When is the best time for men to start taking prenatal vitamins?
So, you've decided to take a prenatal. Great! Now, you're wondering: When should I start taking it? That depends on a few factors.
First, it takes approximately three months for sperm to mature fully, so it’s likely that during this time, your overall health can affect the health of your sperm. Put another way, a man who starts taking a prenatal vitamin the week you start trying to conceive is a little late to the game.
Second, lifestyle factors matter, and studies have associated adverse outcomes on sperm motility and count from lifestyle factors like obesity and sugar consumption. This suggests that the time leading up to conception influences fertility outcomes, and so for reasons beyond fertility, it’s really never too soon to start incorporating positive changes into your and your partner’s lifestyles. In addition, just as we encourage women to take a fresh look at exposure to environmental toxins in products like personal care and cleaning products, it’s wise for male partners to take part in these practices, too. The Environmental Working Group app can make this process a little more guy-friendly, and you might both consider a preconception couples detox. Be sure to check out our three-part series on how to do this.
Finally, it’s important to remember that during the preconception phase, men can directly impact the health of the baby. However, a man’s health and ability to thrive continue to be critical well beyond conception, supporting his own physical and emotional health and that of his partner and baby.
Prenatal vitamins for men and women
The nutrients men need during the preconception stage to support sperm quality are generally the same as those that support overall health and well-being, but it is important to find a men's vitamin designed with optimal dosages and forms of these key vitamins and minerals.
As with women, an Omega-3 supplement and a targeted Pre/Probiotic round out optimal Men's supplementation. These three products are bundled together in our Men's Complete Plan.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
