Most modern couples try to consciously approach the issue of pregnancy planning. Early preparation helps to increase the chances of having a healthy baby. Before conception, the expectant mother must undergo a series of examinations, start taking vitamins. The same recommendations are received by the potential dad of the baby. Some doctors recommend taking vitamin E when planning a pregnancy. However, opinions on this score are quite controversial. In today's article, let's try to figure out why a vitamin is needed, how to take it without health risks.
Historical reference
As far back as the last century, studies on rats have revealed some interesting facts. For example, the exclusion of certain foods from the diet of rodents led to problems with offspring. On the other hand, the addition of lettuce and wheat germ oil to the food contributed to the normalization of fertility. Thus, vitamin E was discovered, and a little later its active substance, tocopherol, was described. In 1938, scientists introduced the chemical formula and were able to synthesize it. Since then, it has become widely used as a means of increasing the activity of male / female sex hormones. Therefore, the role of vitamin E in planning pregnancy is very important.
The benefits of tocopherol for women
Vitamin E is essential in the process of conception. Its direct effect on the body can be defined as a combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It contributes to the saturation of cells with oxygen, improves microcirculation of the blood, has a general strengthening effect.
As for the issue of benefits for the body of a future woman in labor, vitamin E ensures the full functioning of the ovaries and hormonal levels. Tocopherol prevents miscarriages in the first trimester. It plays a direct role in the process of formation of the placenta, helps to produce the hormone prolactin, which provides lactation.
Many people who think about the conception of a baby lady, because of their excellent health, often refuse to take vitamin complexes. This approach is incorrect. Care for the proper development of the fetus inside the womb should be done in advance. Therefore, vitamin E when planning pregnancy is a must. In addition, it allows you to prepare the female body for the upcoming "tests", namely:
- increases the stamina of all systems and organs;
- improves the circulatory system;
- normalizes metabolism;
- reduces the risk of cramps in the calf muscles;
- increases the activity of the gonads.
Thus, when planning pregnancy, vitamin E for women is simply irreplaceable. It has a beneficial effect on the entire reproductive system.
The benefits of tocopherol for men
Vitamin E has a positive effect on the work of the male reproductive system. A deficiency of this substance in the body leads to a violation of the production of seminal fluid, a deterioration in its quality. One of the serious consequences is infertility. Tocopherol is especially needed for male vegetarians who abuse alcohol and abandon the principles of healthy eating.
Vitamin E is useful in planning pregnancy for men. He helps:
- increase sperm motility;
- improve sperm quality;
- maintain sexual activity;
- normalize hormonal levels.
It is noteworthy that the course of tocopherol is prescribed in the treatment of inflammation of the prostate gland. In some cases, it is possible to normalize the quality of seminal fluid only by using capsules with this substance.
Dosage regimen
An additional intake of tocopherol is recommended for all women who want to try on the role of the mother. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that is well absorbed by the body. About 70% of the dose received with food or additionally is excreted in the feces.
As a rule, at the stage of pregnancy planning, folic acid and vitamin E are prescribed together or a complex containing these substances is selected. The first is involved in the formation of DNA elements, maintains immunity at the proper level. Its deficiency immediately catches your eye: hair begins to fall out, appetite worsens, anemia develops.
If the doctor recommends vitamin E when planning pregnancy as a single drug, the dosage is calculated individually. One capsule of the drug may contain 100 or 200 mg of the substance. In normal condition, a woman is enough to take 100 mg of the drug. During the planning period, this parameter is doubled or even tripled.
In the instructions for the drug there is no information on the calculation of the dosage for women planning a pregnancy. This item manufacturers shift to the opinion of doctors. This approach is due to the fact that each case is individual. Only a specialist can prescribe tocopherol, taking into account the general health of the future mother. Therefore, you should not choose a treatment yourself, although the drug is dispensed in a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription.
Thus, when planning pregnancy, vitamin E and folic acid are the most necessary medicines for the successful conception of a healthy baby. However, the concept of “planning” implies the preparation of both the female and male bodies. For this reason, tocopherol is sometimes prescribed to representatives of the stronger sex.
Duration of Admission
How much to drink vitamin E when planning a pregnancy? This is the question that most mothers expect.
As a rule, taking the drug is limited to the first trimester. In the later stages, the dosage is reduced or completely abolished. The thing is that tocopherol is a fat-soluble substance. It has the property of collecting in adipose tissue, which only grows during pregnancy. Overuse of the drug in the later stages can provoke an overdose and all the ensuing consequences.
How much and how to drink vitamin E when planning a pregnancy for men? The dosage is selected solely by the doctor. It is usually recommended to take the drug until the final goal is reached - conception.
Signs of Vitamin E Deficiency
Most people get the necessary amount of tocopherol from food, but subject to a relatively balanced diet. Deficiency of this substance is extremely rare. As a rule, people suffer from this problem with severe lesions of the gastrointestinal system, impaired absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, and metabolism.
Due to the lack of research on this issue, it is difficult to describe the clinical picture of E. hypovitaminosis. According to doctors, the leading manifestations of pathology should be considered:
- muscle weakness;
- problems with conception and subsequent gestation;
- anemia
Manifestations of hypervitaminosis E
An excess of tocopherol in the body usually occurs due to its uncontrolled or improper intake. Therefore, the dosage of vitamin E when planning pregnancy should be selected by a gynecologist. Otherwise, the following health problems may appear:
- violation of the coagulation process;
- upset stool;
- night blindness;
- passing headaches against a background of increased blood pressure;
- a temporary decrease in blood glucose.
An improperly selected dosage of vitamin E during pregnancy planning is fraught with the development of congenital malformations in the fetus.
Natural Vitamin Sources
Vitamin E can be obtained naturally. Some foods rich in this substance can hardly be called familiar to the traditional Russian diet. We are talking about avocados, mangoes, broccoli and spinach. However, today they are sold freely in almost all grocery outlets. A high content of tocopherol is found in fried almonds, sunflower seeds and peaches. For adherents of traditional cuisine, emphasis should be placed on bran, sea buckthorn and rose hips. Also, do not exclude from the diet foods with animal fats (eggs, liver, milk).
Unrefined vegetable oils are rich in vitamin E. Of these, you can prepare a delicious salad dressing on your own at home. You will need to mix olive, cedar and sunflower oils in equal proportions. It is enough to use 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture per day to make up for the vitamin deficiency. After pregnancy, you can continue to take it in order to prevent the appearance of stretch marks on the skin.
Reviews
According to reviews, vitamin E really helps in planning pregnancy. How many couples were interviewed, positive results were observed everywhere. Before the start of the intake, in almost all cases, attempts to conceive a child ended in failure.
However, it should be understood that various factors can be the cause of female or male infertility. Not always this disorder can be defeated by tocopherol. You should not consider vitamin complexes as a panacea, but their purpose should not be ignored. In any case, if it is impossible to conceive a child for a long time, it is necessary to seek help from a specialized specialist.