Daily 30p vitamin pill could help women conceive

A multi-vitamin pill could double a woman's chances of becoming pregnant

Researchers say pills containing nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium, thought to boost fertility, could be the answer to getting pregnant.

A study by University College London, involving 56 women aged 18 to 40, found that 60 per cent of those taking supplements while undergoing IVF treatment, became pregnant, compared to just 25 per cent who didn't.

The research, published in the journal Reproduction Biomedicine, also found that women taking the micronutrient pill needed fewer attempts at IVF to become pregnant and were less likely to miscarry in the first three months.

'There is a large body of evidence establishing the relationship between placental development, foetal growth, pregnancy outcomes and adequate nutrition, particularly vitamin intake,' says lead researcher Dr Rina Agrawal.

The pill, Vitabiotics Pregnacare-Conception, contains folic acid, vitamin B, E and C as well as zinc, selenium and antioxidants and is available over the counter, costing just over £10 for a month's supply.

However, other scientists emphasise the importance of taking into account other factors such as age, weight, alcohol consumption and smoking when discussing fertility.

High levels of stress and caffeine intake have also been shown to reduce women's chances of falling pregnant.

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