Do Men Need Prenatal Vitamins?

It’s fairly standard for women to take a prenatal vitamin, and with good reason. Nutritional needs are higher before, during, and after pregnancy. What about men? Can a man take prenatal vitamins? 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 for both is YES. So, can men take prenatals? Men can take prenatal vitamins, and in some cases, they should! 

Can Men Take Prenatals? Is it Safe?

Many of the nutrients inside, like folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants, are highly beneficial. These support sperm health, energy, and even hair growth. Yes, most prenatal vitamins for men are safe. That said, men should look for prenatals tailored to their specific needs. Men have different Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) than women. For example, many prenatals contain high levels of iron, which is unnecessary and could be harmful for most men.

Should Men Take Prenatal Vitamins?  

For many men, especially those trying to conceive, prenatals can make a real difference. Research links antioxidants and CoQ10 with improved semen quality, and folate with healthier pregnancy outcomes. Long-term studies also show paternal health directly affects offspring's well-being. A men’s prenatal can boost fertility, energy, and overall health—making it a smart option.

The Key Nutrients You Should Look For in a Men’s Prenatal 

Not all vitamins are created equally. A high-quality men’s prenatal can help improve sperm quality, energy levels, and support male fertility. 

Here’s how:

• Folate: Important for sperm development and maturation. Some studies link higher folate levels to increased sperm concentration and reduced chromosomal abnormalities.
• Antioxidants (e.g., Vitamins C, E, Selenium, Zinc): Help protect sperm from DNA damage, which can contribute to infertility. Selenium supports sperm development and motility.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (especially DHA): May improve sperm motility and count, support higher antioxidant activity in semen, and brain development in a developing fetus.
• CoQ10: May improve sperm motility and overall quality, especially in men with low fertility markers.
• Others: Other nutrients like L-carnitine can help improve sperm quality, particularly in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) settings.

Health Benefits 

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 by 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 Men’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 contain higher levels of certain nutrients than men require, so selecting a formula that aligns with male nutritional needs is crucial.

Considering the above, a separate prenatal supplement for men may be the best option if you decide to add 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.

Don’t Forget a Healthy Lifestyle Matters, Too!

Second, lifestyle factors matter, and studies have associated adverse outcomes on sperm motility and count with 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. Research shows that both alcohol and cannabis can have adverse effects on male fertility.

Review The Products You Use

Just as we encourage women to reassess their exposure to environmental toxins in certain products, it’s wise for male partners to adopt these practices as well. 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 detoxing in preparation for pregnancy.

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. You should still find a men's vitamin designed with optimal dosages and forms of these key vitamins and minerals. 

As with women, an Omega-3 supplement round out optimal Men's supplementation. These three products are bundled together in our Men's Complete Plan.