· By Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder + CEO of Pink Stork, Certified Health Coach, INHC
What nutrients matter most for preconception, besides folic acid?
Folic acid gets nearly all the preconception attention, but iron, vitamin D, iodine, and CoQ10 all have meaningful, separate roles in preparing your body for pregnancy, and international expert guidance recommends starting several of them before conception rather than waiting until a positive test. A varied, nutrient-dense diet is the foundation, and a well-formulated preconception supplement fills the specific, well-documented gaps that diet alone often does not cover.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Why "just take folic acid" is incomplete advice
Folic acid's role in preventing neural tube defects is well established and important, which is exactly why it dominates preconception messaging. But a 2025 narrative review in Nursing Research and Practice, examining research on micronutrients and female fertility, found that folate, vitamin D, iron, selenium, and antioxidant nutrients all independently support oocyte quality, hormonal balance, and implantation processes, meaning deficiencies in any of them, not just folate, are linked to impaired ovarian function and reproductive complications.
An international expert consensus published in a peer-reviewed journal and summarized in the National Library of Medicine's PMC database reached agreement that iron and vitamin D supplementation should begin at preconception, not just once pregnancy is confirmed, alongside folic acid and iodine, since these nutrient stores take time to build.
What ACOG's preconception guidance actually recommends
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' Prepregnancy Counseling committee opinion frames preconception nutrition counseling as a core part of prepregnancy care, not an optional add-on, precisely because many nutrient stores need weeks to months to build before they are useful during early fetal development.
Nutrients worth knowing about beyond folic acid
- Iron, to build maternal stores before the substantial increase in iron needs that begins in pregnancy
- Vitamin D, which supports reproductive hormone function and is commonly insufficient even outside of pregnancy
- Iodine, essential for thyroid function, which directly affects fetal neurodevelopment once pregnancy begins
- CoQ10, involved in the mitochondrial energy production that eggs depend on to mature properly†
- Zinc and selenium, both linked to hormonal balance and antioxidant status relevant to reproductive health
A randomized controlled trial published in Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that CoQ10 pretreatment before IVF improved embryo quality outcomes in women with diminished ovarian reserve, one example of a preconception nutrient with research support that has nothing to do with folate.
"I would scream it from the mountaintops... gut health is so important, and specifically in fertility."
— Dr. Samantha Ess, ND, Naturopathic Doctor specializing in hormone health and fertility
Building a broader preconception routine
Premium Fertility Gummies include 13 fertility-focused nutrients in one formula, including methylated folate, CoQ10, selenium, zinc, iodine, and vitamins B6, B12, and D, developed with guidance from Pink Stork's OBGYN-Led Advisory Board.† You can read more about Premium Fertility Gummies, with 13 fertility-focused nutrients. Not for use during pregnancy, and a provider consultation disclaimer applies while trying to conceive.
As you transition toward pregnancy, Total Prenatal, designed for preconception through breastfeeding, carries forward methylated folate and gentle iron in a formula meant to bridge both stages.
"Empowering women at every stage of their journey starts with better information, not just a longer supplement list. Understanding why each nutrient matters helps you build a routine you can actually stick with, one that is covered in prayer and grounded in real research."
— Amy Suzanne Upchurch, Founder and CEO of Pink Stork
Trust signals worth knowing
- Premium Fertility Gummies are doctor-formulated, guided by Pink Stork's OBGYN-Led Advisory Board
- Total Prenatal is third-party tested at ISO 17025 accredited labs
- Pink Stork has more than 50,000 verified Amazon reviews across the brand
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
When should I start a preconception supplement?
Many nutrient stores take weeks to months to build, so starting a preconception routine 3 to 6 months before actively trying to conceive is a common recommendation. Talk with your provider about your specific timeline.
Do I need iron before I am pregnant?
Building iron stores ahead of pregnancy is recommended by international expert guidance, since iron needs increase substantially once pregnancy begins.
Is vitamin D really relevant to fertility, not just bone health?
Research links vitamin D status to reproductive hormone function, which is part of why several major reviews include it in preconception nutrient discussions beyond its more commonly known role in bone health.
Can I get all of these nutrients from food alone?
A varied, nutrient-dense diet is the foundation, but many women do not consistently meet targets for iron, vitamin D, and iodine from diet alone, which is why supplementation is commonly recommended during this window.
Is Premium Fertility Gummies safe during pregnancy?
No. Premium Fertility Gummies is not for use during pregnancy.
How is Premium Fertility Gummies different from a standard multivitamin?
It is specifically formulated with 13 fertility-focused nutrients selected for their role in reproductive wellness during the preconception window, rather than being a general-purpose multivitamin.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or while managing a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.
