11. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is well known for supporting the immune system, mainly through its role as an antioxidant to manage oxidative stress. It also supports the nervous system by helping to regulate energy metabolism in neurons.
Although the body doesn’t store vitamin C in large quantities compared to some other nutrients, there is an exception to this rule when it comes to the adrenal glands. These glands store a substantial amount of vitamin C. This supply of vitamin C in the adrenal glands assists in maintaining the glands’ normal functions, which include responding to stress and producing cortisol.
Antioxidants play an important role in fertility. Vitamin C supplementation has been shown to help increase progesterone levels in women with reduced levels during their luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Adequate progesterone is needed for a healthy menstrual cycle and pregnancy. In fact, lower concentrations of antioxidants in the body are associated with the potential for increased risk of reproductive issues. Reproductive hormone production is sensitive to oxidative stress, so antioxidants like vitamin C and others can help restore balance.
Food sources of vitamin C include citrus, peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwis, and strawberries. Getting whole food forms and extracts of vitamin C may be more effective than the synthetic ascorbic acid often used in many commercial supplements. Care/of’s Vitamin C supplement contains vitamin C from acerola cherries plus helpful bioflavonoids often present in vitamin C rich foods to support proper use in the body.
12. Shatavari
Shatavari is actually a species of asparagus that packs a powerful punch. It may be able to support healthy menstruation and help with common symptoms of PMS. Due to shatavari’s antioxidant and adaptogenic properties, it may improve reproductive health through mediating the stress response.
Care/of’s Shatavari supplement is sustainably grown in India, and, like all of Care/of’s supplements, is third-party tested and non-GMO with no unnecessary fillers.