Does vitamin C improve fertility?

Vitamin C is not a fertility treatment and cannot guarantee conception. It is, however, one of the body's most important water-soluble antioxidants and one of the most extensively studied nutrients in reproductive biology. Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, a recognised factor in both egg and sperm quality. Research has found that women with higher antioxidant intake have significantly lower odds of subfertility.

Why two sources - L-ascorbic acid and acerola?

L-ascorbic acid is the form of vitamin C used in clinical research and is the body's primary usable form. Acerola extract (Malpighia glabra) is a natural, fruit-derived source that provides vitamin C alongside co-occurring bioflavonoids, which may support vitamin C absorption and activity. Together, they deliver 1,000mg of vitamin C per daily serving - combining the precision of a clinically studied form with the complementary profile of a whole-food source.

How does vitamin C support female fertility?

Vitamin C supports several aspects of female reproductive health. It is concentrated in the corpus luteum, the structure that produces progesterone after ovulation, where it supports the luteal phase hormonal environment. It also protects developing follicles and oocytes from oxidative damage and has been studied in relation to uterine lining health relevant to implantation.

How does vitamin C support male fertility?

Vitamin C is found at concentrations up to ten times higher in seminal fluid than in blood, where it plays a key role in protecting sperm DNA from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is a key driver of sperm DNA fragmentation, and studies have explored vitamin C supplementation in relation to sperm motility, morphology and count, particularly in men where oxidative stress is a contributing factor. This makes it particularly relevant for men with elevated DNA fragmentation results or those undergoing ICSI.

Why 1,000mg? Is this dose safe?

Doses of 750mg to 1,000mg per day have been used in key reproductive research studies, with 1,000mg commonly applied in studies examining sperm health and IVF outcomes. Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning the body excretes any excess it does not need rather than storing it in tissue, making it well-tolerated at higher doses for most people. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medication, please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.

Can I take this if I am doing IVF?

Yes. Vitamin C supplementation alongside assisted reproduction has been studied and is generally well-tolerated. If you are undergoing IVF or another assisted reproduction protocol, discuss any supplements with your clinic before starting.

When should I start taking vitamin C when trying to conceive?

Ideally at least three months before you plan to start trying. Egg development (folliculogenesis) takes approximately 90 days and spermatogenesis approximately 74 days, so the antioxidant environment during this lead time directly influences the eggs and sperm that will be available in three months.

Can I take this alongside other Zita West supplements?

Yes. This product is compatible with all other Zita West supplements. Vitamin C also enhances iron absorption, which may benefit women who take iron as part of their preconception or pregnancy routine - taking them together or alongside iron-rich foods is a simple way to get more from both.

Is this suitable during pregnancy?

Yes. Vitamin C is a safe and beneficial nutrient throughout pregnancy, contributing to normal collagen formation to support the tissue changes of pregnancy, as well as immune function and iron absorption. If you are pregnant and under medical supervision, consult your practitioner before changing your supplement routine.

Can vitamin C help with endometriosis and fertility?

Oxidative stress is elevated in women with endometriosis and is thought to contribute to the inflammation and tissue damage associated with the condition. Research into vitamin C supplementation in endometriosis-related infertility is emerging, with studies suggesting it may offer supportive antioxidant benefit for women managing the condition alongside trying to conceive. Vitamin C is not a treatment for endometriosis. Always discuss supplementation with your specialist.

Can vitamin C support fertility in women with PCOS?

PCOS is associated with higher levels of oxidative stress compared to women without the condition, which can affect egg quality, ovulation and hormonal balance. Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, may help reduce this oxidative burden. Vitamin C is not a treatment for PCOS, and if you have a PCOS diagnosis, working with a healthcare professional on a broader management plan is recommended.

Is vitamin C beneficial after birth?

Yes. In the postnatal period, vitamin C supports tissue repair, immune recovery and contributes to iron absorption during breastfeeding. It also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and supports normal psychological function - both relevant to the physical and emotional demands of early parenthood. Vitamin C is safe to continue taking during breastfeeding as part of a postnatal nutritional routine.

Vitamin C - Antioxidant Support For Fertility, Pregnancy and Postnatal Recovery

£12.99 Save £-12.99

Antioxidant support for preconception, pregnancy and postnatal recovery

Vitamin C is one of the body's most important water-soluble antioxidants, playing a key role in protecting cells from oxidative stress across every stage of reproductive health. This high-strength formulation delivers 1,000mg of vitamin C per daily serving (2 capsules) from two complementary sources: L-ascorbic acid, the clinically studied form, combined with natural acerola extract (Malpighia glabra), a whole-food source that brings co-occurring bioflavonoids which may support vitamin C absorption and activity.

Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Suitable for men and women during preconception, and for women throughout pregnancy and postnatal recovery. Compatible with all other Zita West supplements.

Why Vitamin C?

For Women

• Concentrated in the corpus luteum, the structure that produces progesterone after ovulation, where it supports the luteal phase hormonal environment
• Protects developing follicles and oocytes from oxidative damage during the approximately 90-day maturation window
• Studied in relation to uterine lining health relevant to implantation
• Contributes to normal collagen formation, supporting the significant tissue changes of pregnancy and postpartum recovery
• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and supports normal psychological function - particularly relevant to the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy and early parenthood
• Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

For Men

• Found at concentrations up to ten times higher in seminal fluid than in blood, where it plays a key role in protecting sperm DNA from oxidative damage
• Oxidative stress is a key driver of sperm DNA fragmentation; Vitamin C is one of the most studied water-soluble antioxidants in this area, particularly relevant for men with elevated DNA fragmentation results or undergoing ICSI
• Studies have explored vitamin C supplementation in relation to sperm motility, morphology and count, particularly where oxidative stress is a contributing factor
• Contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

1,000mg vitamin C per daily serving (1,250% NRV)
Two complementary sources: L-ascorbic acid + natural acerola extract (Malpighia glabra)
Antioxidant protection for cells - including eggs and sperm
Supports luteal phase hormonal environment, uterine lining health and iron absorption
Contributes to normal collagen formation and reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Suitable for men and women during preconception; women through pregnancy and postpartum
60 capsules: two-capsule daily serving - One Month Supply
Third Party Tested

Capsules
Gluten Free
Vegan
Vegetarian
Yeast Free

Who is it for?

This vitamin C supplement is designed to support:

• Women trying to conceive who want antioxidant protection of cells during the approximately 90-day oocyte maturation window
• Men looking to support sperm health, including DNA integrity, motility and morphology
• Couples going through IVF or ICSI who want antioxidant support alongside their clinical protocol
• Women with luteal phase concerns, where vitamin C's role in the corpus luteum is particularly relevant
• Women with endometriosis, where oxidative stress is elevated and antioxidant support may offer complementary benefit alongside medical management
• Women with PCOS, where oxidative stress is elevated and broader antioxidant support is recommended
• Pregnant women and new mothers - vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and supports normal psychological function throughout pregnancy and postnatal recovery

When to start:

Ideally at least three months before trying to conceive. Egg maturation takes approximately 90 days and spermatogenesis takes approximately 74 days, meaning the nutritional environment today directly influences the eggs and sperm available in three months' time.

How to Take

Take 2 capsules per day with food, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Safe to take alongside all other Zita West supplements.

Ingredients

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect reproductive cells from oxidative stress. It plays a vital role in collagen production, supports normal immune function, contributes to iron absorption, and is involved in normal energy metabolism.

Female Fertility
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, supporting the structure of the endometrium and cervical secretions that aid conception. As an antioxidant, it helps reduce oxidative stress within the ovaries. Some studies suggest a role in supporting normal progesterone levels during the luteal phase, which may be relevant to ovulation and implantation.

Male Fertility
Vitamin C is one of the main antioxidants in seminal plasma. It helps protect sperm DNA and cell membranes from oxidative damage and contributes to maintaining sperm motility and morphology. Vitamin C also regenerates other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and glutathione, within seminal fluid.

Pregnancy
During pregnancy, vitamin C supports the normal function of the immune system and contributes to collagen synthesis, important for tissue strength and elasticity. It enhances non-heme iron absorption, which is crucial for maternal iron status. Vitamin C is also involved in connective tissue formation, relevant to the developing placenta.

Postnatal
After birth, vitamin C supports tissue repair and immune recovery. It helps with iron absorption during breastfeeding and contributes to maternal antioxidant status. Its role in collagen formation also supports skin health during the postnatal period.

Ingredients: Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid), Acerola Extract (Malpighia glabra) (25% Vitamin C) (Maltodextrin, Ascorbic Acid), Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Vegetable Capsule Shell).

Allergens: None.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does vitamin C improve fertility?

Vitamin C is not a fertility treatment and cannot guarantee conception. It is, however, one of the body's most important water-soluble antioxidants and one of the most extensively studied nutrients in reproductive biology. Vitamin C contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, a recognised factor in both egg and sperm quality. Research has found that women with higher antioxidant intake have significantly lower odds of subfertility.
Why two sources - L-ascorbic acid and acerola?

L-ascorbic acid is the form of vitamin C used in clinical research and is the body's primary usable form. Acerola extract (Malpighia glabra) is a natural, fruit-derived source that provides vitamin C alongside co-occurring bioflavonoids, which may support vitamin C absorption and activity. Together, they deliver 1,000mg of vitamin C per daily serving - combining the precision of a clinically studied form with the complementary profile of a whole-food source.
How does vitamin C support female fertility?

Vitamin C supports several aspects of female reproductive health. It is concentrated in the corpus luteum, the structure that produces progesterone after ovulation, where it supports the luteal phase hormonal environment. It also protects developing follicles and oocytes from oxidative damage and has been studied in relation to uterine lining health relevant to implantation.
How does vitamin C support male fertility?

Vitamin C is found at concentrations up to ten times higher in seminal fluid than in blood, where it plays a key role in protecting sperm DNA from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is a key driver of sperm DNA fragmentation, and studies have explored vitamin C supplementation in relation to sperm motility, morphology and count, particularly in men where oxidative stress is a contributing factor. This makes it particularly relevant for men with elevated DNA fragmentation results or those undergoing ICSI.
Why 1,000mg? Is this dose safe?

Doses of 750mg to 1,000mg per day have been used in key reproductive research studies, with 1,000mg commonly applied in studies examining sperm health and IVF outcomes. Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning the body excretes any excess it does not need rather than storing it in tissue, making it well-tolerated at higher doses for most people. If you have any medical conditions or are taking medication, please consult your healthcare practitioner before use.
Can I take this if I am doing IVF?

Yes. Vitamin C supplementation alongside assisted reproduction has been studied and is generally well-tolerated. If you are undergoing IVF or another assisted reproduction protocol, discuss any supplements with your clinic before starting.
When should I start taking vitamin C when trying to conceive?

Ideally at least three months before you plan to start trying. Egg development (folliculogenesis) takes approximately 90 days and spermatogenesis approximately 74 days, so the antioxidant environment during this lead time directly influences the eggs and sperm that will be available in three months.
Can I take this alongside other Zita West supplements?

Yes. This product is compatible with all other Zita West supplements. Vitamin C also enhances iron absorption, which may benefit women who take iron as part of their preconception or pregnancy routine - taking them together or alongside iron-rich foods is a simple way to get more from both.
Is this suitable during pregnancy?

Yes. Vitamin C is a safe and beneficial nutrient throughout pregnancy, contributing to normal collagen formation to support the tissue changes of pregnancy, as well as immune function and iron absorption. If you are pregnant and under medical supervision, consult your practitioner before changing your supplement routine.
Can vitamin C help with endometriosis and fertility?

Oxidative stress is elevated in women with endometriosis and is thought to contribute to the inflammation and tissue damage associated with the condition. Research into vitamin C supplementation in endometriosis-related infertility is emerging, with studies suggesting it may offer supportive antioxidant benefit for women managing the condition alongside trying to conceive. Vitamin C is not a treatment for endometriosis. Always discuss supplementation with your specialist.
Can vitamin C support fertility in women with PCOS?

PCOS is associated with higher levels of oxidative stress compared to women without the condition, which can affect egg quality, ovulation and hormonal balance. Vitamin C, as an antioxidant, may help reduce this oxidative burden. Vitamin C is not a treatment for PCOS, and if you have a PCOS diagnosis, working with a healthcare professional on a broader management plan is recommended.
Is vitamin C beneficial after birth?

Yes. In the postnatal period, vitamin C supports tissue repair, immune recovery and contributes to iron absorption during breastfeeding. It also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and supports normal psychological function - both relevant to the physical and emotional demands of early parenthood. Vitamin C is safe to continue taking during breastfeeding as part of a postnatal nutritional routine.

Still have questions? Book your free 1:1 consultation with our inhouse fertility nutrition for personalised support.

Not Sure Where To Start?

Every journey is different, book your free 1:1 consultation for personalised support.

Book Consultation