Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin B12
For the health condition: Infertility

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin B12 has some scientific support for its role in fertility, particularly in women. B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, cellular replication, and neurological function. Several studies have observed that B12 deficiency can lead to ovulatory dysfunction, abnormal cell division in the embryo, and even increased risk of neural tube defects in offspring. In women, B12 deficiency may contribute to infertility by disrupting normal ovulation and causing changes in the endometrium that make implantation more difficult. Supplementation with B12—especially in conjunction with folic acid—has been shown to improve ovulatory function and pregnancy rates in women with B12 deficiency or hyperhomocysteinemia (an elevated level of homocysteine linked to poor fertility outcomes).

In men, B12 is involved in sperm production and maturation. Some small studies and case reports suggest that B12 supplementation may improve sperm count and motility in men with subfertility, though high-quality randomized controlled trials are lacking. Overall, while B12 supplementation is not a universal treatment for infertility, correcting a deficiency is important and may improve fertility outcomes in affected individuals. The evidence base is moderate for women with deficiency but less robust for use in men. As such, its use is scientifically justified primarily in cases where deficiency is present, rather than as a general fertility supplement for all individuals.

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