Question 1

Does vitamin C improve fertility?

Accepted Answer

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 dietary antioxidant intake are less likely to experience infertility.¹

1. Shen, Y., Tan, Z., Duan, Z., Chen, J., Yang, Z. and Lin, X. (2024). Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and infertility: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2020. BMC Public Health, 24, 2376.

1. Shen, Y., Tan, Z., Duan, Z., Chen, J., Yang, Z. and Lin, X. (2024). Association between the composite dietary antioxidant index and infertility: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2020. BMC Public Health, 24, 2376.

Question 2

How does vitamin C support female fertility?

Accepted Answer

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 protects developing follicles and oocytes from oxidative damage during the approximately 90-day maturation window.
• It has been studied in relation to uterine lining health relevant to implantation.
• It contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Question 3

How does vitamin C support male fertility?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin C plays a key role in male reproductive health:

• It 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. Vitamin C is one of the most studied water-soluble antioxidants in this area. This makes it particularly relevant for men with elevated DNA fragmentation results or those undergoing ICSI.
• Studies have explored vitamin C supplementation in relation to sperm motility, morphology and count, particularly in men where oxidative stress is a contributing factor.
• It contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Question 4

Why use two sources, L-ascorbic acid and acerola?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Why 1,000mg? Is this dose safe?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Can I take this if I am doing IVF?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Can I take this alongside other Zita West supplements?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Is this suitable during pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Can vitamin C help with endometriosis and fertility?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Can vitamin C support fertility in women with PCOS?

Accepted Answer

PMOS (formerly known as 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 PMOS, and if you have a PMOS diagnosis, working with a healthcare professional on a broader management plan is recommended.

Question 12

Is vitamin C beneficial after birth?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How does Vitamin C support pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Your nutritional needs increase during pregnancy as your body adapts to support your growing baby. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that the body cannot store, so a regular daily intake is important throughout pregnancy. It supports you in the following ways:

• Contributes to normal collagen formation, supporting the significant tissue changes of pregnancy
• Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and supports normal psychological function, particularly relevant to the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy

Question 14

Who may benefit from taking a Vitamin C supplement?

Accepted Answer

• 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 PMOS (formerly known as 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

Question 15

Are these capsules easy to swallow?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the capsules are designed for daily use and should be taken with water.

Question 16

How does the Zita West subscription work?

Accepted Answer

When you subscribe to any eligible product, you save on every order. Subscriptions are managed through your account, where you can update your delivery frequency, swap, or cancel at any time. Subscribing is a convenient way to maintain a consistent supplement routine, which matters when you are supporting your fertility or pregnancy over a three-month period or longer.

Question 17

Do you offer free UK delivery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer free standard delivery on all UK orders over £60. Orders under £60 are charged at £4.95. You can see all available delivery options and charges at checkout before you place your order.

Question 18

How long will my UK order take to arrive?

Accepted Answer

UK orders are usually dispatched within 24 hours of being placed. Once dispatched, standard delivery typically takes 1 to 3 working days.

Question 19

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ship to many countries worldwide, including the EU, USA, Canada, and further afield. International delivery timescales and charges vary by destination and are shown at checkout. EU customers should be aware that some orders may be subject to additional customs checks, which can occasionally cause delays. For any queries about international delivery, contact our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk.

Question 20

Will my order arrive in discreet packaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All orders are dispatched in plain, unmarked outer packaging with no reference to Zita West on the outside. The only brand reference is on the packing slip included inside the parcel.

Question 21

Are Zita West supplements third-party tested?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our supplements undergo independent third-party testing, and batch certificates are available on our website so you can check the quality and purity of every batch we produce. We believe that transparency around testing is part of what it means to be a supplement brand you can trust.

Question 22

Are there other ways to save on my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In addition to the subscription discount, you can save when buying product bundles, or mix and match three or more individual supplements for a 10% saving.

Question 23

Can I change my delivery date, swap, or cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can manage your subscription by logging into your Zita West account and selecting Subscriptions. From there you can update your next delivery date, delay an upcoming order, swap to a different product, or cancel at any time. If you need a hand with any of these, get in touch with our customer service team at customerservice@zitawestproducts.co.uk or call 01280 707400 and we will be happy to help.