Better ingredients, better support? 6 things the best fertility supplements should have on the label

What are the best fertility supplements getting right, right now? 

In 2025, the best fertility supplements aren’t taking a one-size-fits-all approach. They’re designed to meet you where you’re at, and support your body’s specific needs at different life stages. 

This is particularly key for those who have been TTC for a longer period of time, or are over the age of 35 – the fact is, as we get older, our nutritional needs shift, and our egg and sperm cells are more vulnerable to oxidative stress, which can affect their quality. 

The good news? Supplementation with the right nutrients can help support these needs around egg and sperm health, hormone balance, and overall reproductive function. 

We’re back partnering with Proceive®, the team behind the award-winning range of tailored fertility and pregnancy support supplements, to pick through some of the must-know science and answer the question: Do better ingredients really equal better fertility support?

Before we get into it – snag 20% off the Proceive® range on proceive.com only with code: RIBBONBOX20

How to spot the best fertility supplements for you

Let’s cut to the chase. Not all fertility supplements are created equal. It’s really key to choose one that delivers the right nutrients, specifically in the right amounts. 

Here’s what to look for on the label:

• Research-backed ingredients – The best fertility supplements contain nutrients with proven roles in reproductive health.
• Optimal dosages – Many brands pack in a long list of nutrients but at levels too low to be effective. Choose a supplement that provides clinically supported dosages.
• Bioavailability – A nutrient is only beneficial if your body can absorb and use it efficiently. Look for active, bioavailable forms like methylfolate instead of synthetic folic acid.
• Free from additives – Many lower-cost supplements use fillers, binders, preservatives, and artificial colours. Choose a brand that prioritises pure, active ingredients.

Proceive® checks all these boxes. Specifically, their science-led, high-quality Max range is designed to support both male and female fertility in those who are over the age of 35 or have been TTC for a year or more.

What does Proceive® contain, and what makes the formula so effective?

The Proceive® Max range contains more nutrients, at higher levels, than anything else on the market (over 6 times, in fact). But it’s not just about quantity – it’s about delivering more of what matters.

Fertility is complex, and Proceive® was developed to meet that complexity with precision. Each product is developed referencing a wide range of clinical studies and created in collaboration with fertility and nutrition experts. Unlike standard multivitamins, Proceive® uses optimal-strength, bioavailable nutrients with real scientific backing – never filler ingredients, or generic doses.

Proceive® believes that couples trying to conceive deserve better. That’s why every product in the range is designed to provide targeted, high-quality nutritional support that addresses the specific needs of the reproductive system.

The formulations include:

By combining strength, science, and specificity, Proceive® delivers comprehensive nutritional support – without compromise. When it comes to fertility, this level of detail makes all the difference.

6 key Proceive® ingredients unpacked

Let’s get a bit more granular here, and zoom in on some of the key ingredients in the Proceive® Max range that really matter for women and men – and why. 

1. Folic acid

Folic acid is crucial for women trying to conceive, mainly because it has been shown to reduce the risk of neural tube defects during pregnancy. 

Folic acid is a water soluble vitamin, meaning it is not stored in the body. So, topping up through diet and supplementation is really important. 

But does Proceive® have enough folic acid? The answer is yes. The NHS recommends all women begin taking 400μg of folic acid at least 3 months before conception, and Proceive® Max Women contains this exact recommended amount of folic acid in its active form – methylfolate. 

Unlike synthetic folic acid, methylfolate is much more readily absorbed and utilised by the body, meaning you can rest assured that you’re getting exactly what’s on the label. 

2. CoQ10

Our CoQ10 levels naturally decline as we get older, so this is a really important nutrient for those trying to conceive, particularly women over 35. 

It can sometimes be quite challenging to get enough CoQ10 from diet alone, especially if you’re vegan or vegetarian. 

Proceive® Max Women contains 70mg of CoQ10 – the right amount to support egg cell energy production and mitochondrial health, which are both vital for top-notch egg quality.

3. Choline

Choline is an important nutrient for conception in men, but also specifically for women, with research showing that it can support ovarian function.

Proceive® Max Women packs a 50mg choline punch, because while it is readily available in our diets, the latest research indicates that those who are older or have been trying to conceive for over a year can benefit from additional supplementation.

4. Selenium

Essential for sperm production and motility in particular, selenium supports male fertility by protecting sperm cells from oxidative stress and helping to maintain sperm integrity.

One recent study showed that just 200 μg/day for 6 months supported sperm concentration and motility – the exact amount included in Proceive® Max Men.

5. Zinc

Zinc has been found to support testosterone production as well as sperm quality, which is why it’s a key ingredient in Proceive® Max Men.

It also plays a direct role in sperm formation and DNA integrity, something that directly supports healthy conception.

6. Key amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins necessary for the growth and repair of cells in the body – and this goes for our reproductive cells, too. 

To cover all bases, Proceive® Max Men contains a tailored blend of Taurine, L’Arginine, N-Acetyl L’Carnitine, L’Citrulline, L’Glutamine, L-Cysteine, and Glycine

The bottom line?

Beyond its comprehensive ingredient profile, the Proceive® Max range stands out due to its scientifically tailored formulas. While standard multivitamins can (and do) help maintain general health, Proceive® is specifically designed to support conception, and the unique needs of men and women on a fertility journey.

Another big tick? Proceive® is the #1 recommended brand in Irish fertility clinics, and is recommended by fertility specialists and widely used in conception support across the UK.

So, when it comes to supplement ingredients and formulation, investing in higher quality really does mean better fertility support.

Want to try it for yourself? You can use code RIBBONBOX20 for 20% off when you buy the Proceive® Max products for Women and for Men from proceive.com only – they’re also available in-store at Holland & Barrett and Boots, and online from Amazon.