When it comes to health and wellness, supplements often play a key role in bridging nutritional gaps. Prenatal vitamins are typically associated with women preparing for pregnancy, but there’s a growing curiosity: can men take prenatal vitamins? If so, is it safe, and are there alternatives designed specifically for men? In this post, we’ll dive into these questions to explore the potential benefits and considerations of men taking prenatal vitamins, as well as introduce the concept of male prenatal vitamins.

What are male prenatal vitamins?

Male prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to support men’s reproductive health. These supplements are designed to enhance sperm quality, motility, and count—factors that are critical for conception. 

A couple’s struggles with infertility are often viewed from the lens of the female partner’s health issues, however, male factor infertility is responsible for about 40-50% of infertility cases in couples. It is the sole cause in about 20-30% of cases and a contributing factor in another 20-30% alongside female infertility issues. 

Male prenatal vitamins typically include a different set of nutrients than those found in women’s prenatal vitamins.

Here’s a breakdown of key ingredients to support male fertility:

• Zinc: Zinc plays a vital role in sperm production and testosterone levels. Deficiencies in zinc have been linked to lower sperm quality and reduced fertility.
• Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect sperm cells from oxidative stress, which can damage their DNA. It’s also important for maintaining healthy sperm motility.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This antioxidant supports energy production within cells and has been shown to improve sperm motility and overall sperm health.
• L-carnitine: L-carnitine is an amino acid that helps transport fatty acids into cells to be used for energy. It’s been associated with better sperm motility and concentration.
• Vitamin C and vitamin E: These antioxidants work together to protect sperm from oxidative damage, which can improve sperm quality and function.
• Folate: While folate is often associated with women’s health, it’s also beneficial for men. Low folate levels in men have been linked to increased DNA damage in sperm. Studies also suggest that adequate folate levels in men can improve sperm quality by reducing DNA damage in sperm cells.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s, particularly DHA, are important for the structure and function of sperm cells.

Male prenatal vitamins focus on optimizing sperm health and overall reproductive function, making them a standout  choice for men who are trying to conceive with their partners.

Is it safe for men to take a women's prenatal vitamin? 

The short answer is yes, however, just because it’s safe doesn’t mean it is ideal to meet a man’s nutrient needs when trying to conceive. Hormone and body composition differences between males and females translate to differences in nutrient needs with men having higher recommended daily allowances (RDA) than women.  Men need a unique blend of nutrients to support testosterone, sperm count, motility and overall quality. Women’s prenatal vitamins are formulated to meet specific nutritional needs when pregnant or trying to conceive. 

There are a few potential downsides for men taking women’s prenatal vitamins:

• Excessive iron: As mentioned earlier, men’s iron requirements are lower than women’s. Taking a supplement high in iron when it’s not needed can lead to iron overload. Iron overload can be harmful because iron is a pro-oxidant, meaning it can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative stress.
• Unnecessary nutrients: Women’s prenatal vitamins are designed with pregnancy in mind. Nutrients like higher levels of folic acid and iodine may not align with men’s specific health needs.
• Missed opportunities: By taking a women’s prenatal vitamin, men might miss out on other nutrients that are more tailored to their needs, such as higher levels of zinc, selenium, or vitamin E, which are crucial for male reproductive health.
  

Related: The why behind WeNatal: Does the world need another prenatal?

Related: Unlocking the Power of Omega-3: Enhancing Preconception Health and Promoting Healthy Pregnancy with WeNatal Omega DHA+

When to start taking men's prenatal vitamins

Timing is critical when it comes to taking male prenatal vitamins. Since sperm takes approximately 70-90 days to mature, men who are trying to conceive should start taking male prenatal vitamins at least three months before attempting conception. This allows sufficient time for the nutrients to take effect and for healthier sperm to develop. Continuing to take the vitamins throughout the conception process can further support reproductive and overall health.

Do male prenatal vitamins help with hair growth?

Interestingly, some of the nutrients found in male prenatal vitamins may also support hair growth. Ingredients such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin D are known to play a role in maintaining healthy hair. However, it’s important to note that male prenatal vitamins are primarily designed to enhance reproductive health, not hair growth. 

Related: Benefits of WeNatal for Him beyond conception

What to know about choosing the best prenatal vitamins for men

When selecting male prenatal vitamins, there are several factors to consider to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality product:

• Ingredient transparency: Look for supplements that clearly list their ingredients and dosages. Avoid products with proprietary blends that don’t disclose exact amounts.
• Evidence-based formulas: Choose products that include nutrients backed by scientific research for supporting male fertility, such as zinc, selenium, and CoQ10.
• Third-party testing: Opt for supplements that have been tested by third-party organizations for purity and potency. This ensures you’re getting a safe and effective product.
• Tailored nutrients in methylated forms: Ensure the formula addresses key aspects of male reproductive health, including sperm quality, motility, and count.
• No excessive iron: Since men typically require less iron, it’s best to avoid products with high iron content unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider.
• Divided doses: The body can only absorb so much at once. As a registered dietitian, in clinical practice, I recommend patients steer clear of one-a-day vitamins for this very reason. For instance, the body can't process more than 400-600 mcg of folate at a time. While consistency is key, dividing your supplements into morning and evening doses can be helpful for ensuring best absorption. 

A note from WeNatal on taking a prenatal for men

At WeNatal, we believe that fertility is a shared responsibility. Too often, the focus on prenatal nutrition is solely placed on women, overlooking the significant role men play in conception. Male prenatal vitamins are a vital but frequently missed piece of the puzzle when it comes to supporting a couple’s fertility journey.

By offering tailored nutrition for men, male prenatal vitamins like WeNatal for Him help optimize sperm health and increase the chances of successful conception. At the same time, they provide an opportunity for men to take an active role in the fertility process, fostering a stronger sense of partnership and shared commitment.

Male prenatal vitamins are more than just a supplement; they’re a step toward holistic support for couples working to start or grow their family. Investing in both partners’ health can make a meaningful difference, ensuring that the journey to parenthood is as healthy and successful as possible.

References

Falsig AL, Gleerup CS, Knudsen UB. The influence of omega-3 fatty acids on semen quality markers: a systematic PRISMA review. Andrology. 2019;7(6):794-803. doi:10.1111/andr.12649

Li X, Zeng YM, Luo YD, et al. Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2023;9(7):e18224. Published 2023 Jul 13. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18224

Moslemi MK, Tavanbakhsh S. Selenium-vitamin E supplementation in infertile men: effects on semen parameters and pregnancy rate. Int J Gen Med. 2011;4:99-104. Published 2011 Jan 23. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S16275

Reiner-Benaim A, Har-Vardi I, Kloog I, Wainstock T. The use of time-dynamic patterns of temperature and flexible generalized models to clarify the relations between temperature and semen quality. Sci Total Environ. 2024;948:174850. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174850

Salas-Huetos A, Rosique-Esteban N, Becerra-Tomás N, Vizmanos B, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J. The Effect of Nutrients and Dietary Supplements on Sperm Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Adv Nutr. 2018;9(6):833-848. doi:10.1093/advances/nmy057

Salvio G, Cutini M, Ciarloni A, Giovannini L, Perrone M, Balercia G. Coenzyme Q10 and Male Infertility: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(6):874. Published 2021 May 30. doi:10.3390/antiox10060874

Schlegel PN, Sigman M, Collura B, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline Part I. J Urol. 2021;205(1):36-43. doi:10.1097/JU.0000000000001521