As fertility clinics see a steady rise in couples struggling to conceive, doctors are flagging a less obvious but increasingly common factor: hidden vitamin deficiencies that quietly disrupt reproductive health.
When couples face difficulties in conceiving, the usual suspects such as age, stress, lifestyle habits, or hormonal disorders often dominate the conversation. But fertility specialists across India say another factor is being consistently overlooked, that of nutritional deficiencies that weaken the reproductive system long before visible symptoms appear.
Vitamins such as D, B12 and folate, along with iron, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, play a central role in ovulation, egg quality, sperm production and implantation. When these nutrients are depleted, hormonal balance is disturbed, cellular repair slows down, and reproductive tissues fail to function optimally, making natural conception harder for both men and women.
“Many deficiencies develop silently, without fatigue or obvious warning signs. Couples often realise the problem only after months or years of trying,” says Dr Rashmi Niphadkar, fertility specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Baner, Pune.
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According to her, vitamin D and B12 deficiencies are particularly common among women seeking fertility treatment, directly affecting menstrual regularity, ovulation and egg quality. “In my practice, nearly six out of ten patients show some form of nutritional deficiency contributing to fertility issues,” she adds.
Men are not immune either. Low levels of vitamin D, folate and antioxidants have been linked to reduced sperm count, poor motility and slower sperm development. “Fertility is a shared responsibility. Nutritional gaps in men can be just as decisive as hormonal issues in women,” Dr Niphadkar notes.
Experts explain that vitamins and micronutrients act as the foundation for reproductive health. Antioxidants protect eggs and sperm from oxidative stress, folate supports DNA synthesis and cell division, while iron and omega-3 fatty acids influence menstrual cycles and sperm growth. When these building blocks are missing, even implantation can become difficult.
Dr Preethika Shetty, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharadi, says basic blood tests can often reveal correctable problems. “Low levels of vitamin D, B12, folate, iron and antioxidants weaken the reproductive system. Correcting these deficiencies can stabilise hormones, improve egg quality and support ovulation,” she explains. She emphasises that men should also undergo vitamin screening, as deficiencies can significantly impact sperm health.
Doctors stress that early testing is crucial. A simple preconception vitamin panel, often overlooked in fertility evaluations, can make a measurable difference. In many cases, targeted supplementation under medical supervision helps restore levels faster than diet alone.
That said, everyday lifestyle changes also matter. Adequate sunlight exposure boosts vitamin D, while a diet rich in eggs, milk, green leafy vegetables, sprouts, nuts and seeds supports B12, folate and antioxidant intake. Staying physically active and avoiding smoking and alcohol further strengthens reproductive health.
“Vitamin deficiencies may be invisible, but their impact on fertility is very real,” Dr Niphadkar says. “With early testing, balanced nutrition and guided supplementation, couples can significantly improve their chances of conceiving naturally and achieving a healthy pregnancy.”
As fertility challenges rise, experts say the message is simple but urgent: before moving to complex interventions, couples should first ensure their nutritional foundations are strong.
