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Inside our Sperm Support Gummies: The science of male fertility nutrition

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Inside our Sperm Support Gummies: The science of male fertility nutrition

by Melanie Kelly on Sep 18 2026
Physician-formulated, targeted sperm-health nutrition built around the 74–90 day sperm cycle. Fertility conversations tend to center on women. But male factors are involved in roughly half of all infertility cases, and infertility itself affects about 1 in 6 couples worldwide. Several of the most common nutrition-responsive contributors to sperm quality — including oxidative stress and aspects of motility and morphology — are among the areas where targeted nutrients have been most extensively studied. Timing is a big part of why: sperm takes 74 to 90 days to develop. The sperm available today reflect a process that began eight to twelve weeks ago, which is why support needs to start early and stay consistent rather than begin the week before trying. Three nutrients this formula is built around The headline nutrient L-carnitine 900 mg An amino acid that helps sperm cells generate the energy they need to move — motility, one of the main measures on a semen analysis. L-carnitine is one of the most-studied nutrients in male fertility research, and 900 mg is a clinically meaningful amount. CoQ10 300 mg antioxidant · cellular energy CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) is an antioxidant that supports cellular energy production. In men with certain sperm-quality challenges, supplementation has been associated with improvements in motility and antioxidant status. Lycopene 10 mg antioxidant · sperm DNA protection The antioxidant behind tomatoes' red color, studied for its associations with sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, and for reducing oxidative damage to sperm DNA. Sperm cells are unusually vulnerable to oxidative damage, which is the reasoning behind an antioxidant-forward formula: CoQ10, lycopene, and vitamin E work together to support the body's defenses during the window when new sperm are formed. The rest of the formula Folate (folic acid) Supports DNA synthesis and repair; men with higher folate status tend to show better measures of sperm quality. Vitamin E A fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect sperm cell membranes from oxidative damage, often studied alongside CoQ10 and selenium. Sperm takes eight to twelve weeks to develop, so staying consistent across that whole stretch is what makes the real difference — and a complicated multi-pill regimen is one of the most common reasons people don't. A single daily dose, sweetened without added sugar, removes that barrier. Third-party tested GMP-certified Vegan No added sugar FSA/HSA eligible A note on expectations This formula supports sperm-health nutrition. It is not a treatment for male infertility and cannot promise conception. If you and your partner are navigating fertility challenges, treat this as a complement to — not a replacement for — evaluation and care from your medical team. Because sperm takes 74–90 days to form, allow enough time for nutritional changes to support sperm development. Create for Men Sperm Support Gummies Explore the product → References World Health Organization. 1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility. 2023. Male Infertility. StatPearls [Internet]. NCBI Bookshelf. 2024. Fertility and infertility: Definition and epidemiology. Clin Biochem. 2018. A stable isotope-mass spectrometric method for measuring human spermatogenesis kinetics in vivo. J Urol. 2006. The Effect of Nutrients and Dietary Supplements on Sperm Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs. Adv Nutr. 2018. The Role of Dietary Nutrients in Male Infertility: A Review. Life (Basel). 2023. Impact of Coenzyme Q10 and Selenium on Seminal Fluid Parameters and Antioxidant Status in Men with Idiopathic Infertility. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2021. Coenzyme Q10 improves sperm motility and antioxidant status in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia. Clin Exp Reprod Med. 2022. Lycopene and male infertility. Asian J Androl. 2014. L-Carnitine and Male Fertility: Is Supplementation Beneficial? J Clin Med. 2023. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Physician-formulated for nutritional support.
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The science of Luminary Vitamins: How we formulate fertility nutrition

by Melanie Kelly on Sep 15 2026
Physician-formulated. Clinically dosed. Bioavailable forms. How Luminary Vitamins decides what goes into every formula, and at what dose.
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Preconception Gummies: The science of preparing for pregnancy

by Melanie Kelly on Sep 15 2026
Physician-formulated nutrition for the weeks before conception, built around a clinical dose of CoQ10.
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Pregnancy Gummies: The science of prenatal nutrition

by Melanie Kelly on Sep 15 2026
Physician-formulated prenatal nutrition, built trimester by trimester with a choline-forward formula designed around first-trimester nausea.
Inside our Hormonal Health & PMOS Gummies: The science of the 40:1 inositol ratio

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Inside our Hormonal Health & PMOS Gummies: The science of the 40:1 inositol ratio

by Melanie Kelly on Sep 15 2026
A physician-formulated, clinically informed approach to cycle, ovarian-function, and insulin-sensitivity support, built on a 40:1 inositol ratio.
PCOS Is Now PMOS: What the Name Change Means for You

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PCOS Is Now PMOS: What the Name Change Means for You

by Melanie Kelly on Jul 29 2026
One of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women has a new name. In May 2026, a global consensus process published in The Lancet renamed polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). The process drew on input from more than 22,000 clinicians, researchers, and patients over 11 years. Since then, the new name has been endorsed by dozens of professional and patient organizations worldwide, including the Endocrine Society. Here’s what changed, what didn’t, and what it means if you’re managing this condition or supporting your fertility. Why the name changed “Polycystic ovary syndrome” describes the condition by one visible feature — ovarian cysts. But many people with PMOS don’t have visible cysts, and many people with ovarian cysts don’t have the condition at all. The old name also kept clinical attention on the ovaries specifically, even though the condition affects the body’s broader hormonal and metabolic systems. Researchers behind the renaming process point to that mismatch as a driver of delayed diagnoses and treatment plans that managed symptoms without addressing what was driving them. What PMOS actually stands for Polyendocrine — Multiple hormone systems are involved, not just reproductive ones. PMOS affects insulin signaling and stress-hormone pathways alongside the systems that regulate ovulation. Metabolic — Insulin resistance and blood sugar dysregulation are core features of the condition, not side effects of it. Recognizing this as central, rather than incidental, is meant to encourage earlier metabolic screening and more targeted treatment. Ovarian syndrome — The reproductive picture — irregular cycles, elevated androgens, ovulatory dysfunction — hasn’t gone anywhere. What’s changed is the framing: these are understood as downstream effects of a broader endocrine and metabolic condition, not the root cause of it. If you've already been diagnosed with PCOS PMOS and PCOS describe the same condition. Nothing about your medical history or your diagnosis changes because the name did. Medical records, clinical guidelines, and patient materials will transition to PMOS gradually as the new terminology is adopted — that process will take time, and there’s no single date by which every doctor’s office or chart will have caught up. Your experience with this condition, and the diagnosis you already have, are just as valid as they were before the name changed. What PMOS means for fertility Difficulty with ovulation is one of the most common fertility challenges associated with PCOS/PMOS. As research continues to clarify how metabolic health and hormone regulation interact with reproductive function, nutrition has become one part — not the whole — of a comprehensive approach many clinicians recommend alongside medical care. Certain nutrients have real research behind them here. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol, in particular, have been studied for their role in insulin sensitivity and ovulatory function — which is the research our Balance formula is built around. Nutrition on its own isn’t a treatment for PMOS. It’s a way to support your broader hormonal health alongside — not instead of — guidance from your doctor. Supporting hormone health with Balance Balance was formulated with fertility doctors for women managing the hormonal and metabolic picture associated with PMOS. It delivers a 40:1 ratio of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol — the ratio most studied for insulin sensitivity and hormone balance in this condition, and the same ratio naturally found in healthy ovarian follicular fluid. You may still see “PCOS” on Balance’s product page and elsewhere on our site while we update our language to match the new terminology. The formula hasn’t changed — the science it’s built on just has a more accurate name now.   Learn more about Balance
What is the Vaginal Microbiome?

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What is the Vaginal Microbiome?

by Melanie Kelly on May 26 2026
The vaginal microbiome is the complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that live inside the vagina (aka the vaginal microbiota or vaginal flora). Although you may have never heard of the vaginal microbiome, it plays a major role in your reproductive — and overall — health.
Folic Acid: Essential support for your fertility journey

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Folic Acid: Essential support for your fertility journey

by Pasha Gurevich on Sep 30 2025
Prioritizing key nutrients when trying to conceive can make a significant difference in reproductive health. At the top of this list is Folic Acid, a vital B vitamin that plays a critical role in female fertility. Incorporating Folic Acid into your routine before conception and during early pregnancy helps ensure the best possible start for both mother and baby. Why Folic Acid matters for preconception and early pregnancy Folic Acid is especially crucial during the first few weeks of pregnancy, a time when many women may not yet realize they are expecting. Taking a preconception supplement rich in Folic Acid for several weeks before trying to conceive is strongly recommended for optimal reproductive health and early development. 1. Reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) Folic Acid is essential for the proper development of the neural tube, which forms the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that occur when the neural tube doesn’t close correctly. Supplementing with Folic Acid can reduce the risk of NTDs by over 70%, making it one of the most important steps in preparing for pregnancy. 2. Supports healthy cell division Rapid cell division and tissue formation are critical during early pregnancy as the baby begins to develop. Folic Acid aids in the production of new cells, supporting the growth and development of the embryo during this transformative phase. 3. Helps prevent anemia Folic Acid contributes to the formation and growth of red blood cells, reducing the risk of folate-deficiency anemia. Women of childbearing age are particularly susceptible to this type of anemia, which can impact energy levels and overall health. Folic Acid in Luminary Vitamins Create preconception gummies At Luminary Vitamins, fertility-focused nutrition is at the heart of every formulation. Our Create preconception gummies are designed with precision to support women during the critical preconception and early pregnancy stages. Each serving contains 2000 mcg DFE of folate (1,200 mcg Folic Acid), a dosage carefully aligned with the latest clinical research to promote optimal fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Why choose Create preconception gummies? Expertly formulated: Developed by leading fertility specialists, each ingredient is carefully selected to enhance reproductive health and prepare the body for conception. Comprehensive nutrients: Beyond Folic Acid, our gummies include essential fertility-supporting ingredients such as Choline, CoQ10, Iron, and Vitamin D3. Backed by science: Every dosage reflects the latest research to deliver maximum efficacy. Fresh and flavorful: Patented 7-layer encapsulation technology ensures every gummy is as potent as it is delicious. Simplify your preconception care Preparing for pregnancy is a personal and empowering step. With Luminary Vitamins’ Create preconception gummies, supporting your fertility journey has never been simpler. This convenient, science-backed supplement provides everything your body needs to thrive during this important time. Start your journey with confidence and peace of mind. Learn more about the Create preconception gummies, and get started today.
Are gummy vitamins equal to supplement pills?

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Are gummy vitamins equal to supplement pills?

by Pasha Gurevich on Sep 12 2025
Vitamin D insufficiency plagues up to 24% of the US population. Vitamin D is essential for health and can be obtained through a balanced diet, supplements, and exposure to sunlight. This pervasive issue led us to ask: Can gummy supplements match the effectiveness of traditional pills? Our pilot study delves into this question, comparing the impact of gummy vitamins to standard vitamin D pills using the 25-hydroxy vitamin D blood biomarker test as a key indicator. Objectives Test the effectiveness of gummy vitamins in raising or maintaining vitamin D serum levels when compared to traditional pills. Test the likability of gummies as a form of nutrient delivery. Background Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamins responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate, and many other biological effects. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a plethora of health problems, such as weak bones (osteomalacia), autoimmune disorders, poor immune function, muscle weakness and pain, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Optimizing vitamin D blood levels (40 - 80 ng/ml of serum vitamin D3) may help prevent and correct some of these morbidities. Given the limited availability of vitamin D in food, supplemental vitamin D offers a convenient and affordable way to correct low serum vitamin D; however, dose, format, and palatability can influence compliance. 54% of newly enrolled members were either severely vitamin D deficient (7%) or insufficient (47%). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (less than 13 ng/ml or < 30 nmol/L) is 6% in the USA, 7% in Canada, and 13% in Europe. Vitamin D insufficiency (i.e. less than 20 ng/ml or < 50 nmol/L) rates have been estimated to be 24% in the USA, 37% in Canada, and 40% in Europe [1,2,3,4,5].  The study In this study, we designed personalized vitamin D dosing regimens in the form of Gummies (intervention) or softgel pills (control) and monitored intake and compliance via periodic surveys. The dosage was personalized to the member's own needs based on their baseline vitamin D serum levels. We screened 156 potential candidates for the intervention, and 39 were subsequently enrolled. Both the intervention group and the control group were asked to sample blood by finger prick twice throughout this study: first, before the study (vitamin D baseline), and second, after the 12 weeks of daily Gummy supplementation. A subset of participants was asked to undergo an additional vitamin D assessment via venipuncture blood test before and after the study concluded to validate the finger-prick results. Vitamin D baseline serum level, member’s BMI, and current vitamin D dose (if applicable) were used as inputs to generate personalized vitamin D doses.   Participants in the intervention group received a 12-week daily dose of Gummies containing personalized concentrations of vegan Vita-algae vitamin D3™ and one or more of the following nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K2, iron, zinc, selenium, ginseng, ashwagandha, LactoSpore probiotics, CoQ10, inositol, and folic acid. The daily vitamin D dose varied from 1,600 IU to 11,400 IU. The gummies used Nourished Vita-algae vitamin D3, which was sourced from a mixture of algae and lichen fungus species that grow in the northern parts of Canada. The gummies were blackcurrant-flavored.  The control group received generic vitamin D softgels at dosages of 1,000 IU, 2,000 IU, 5,000 IU, 7,000 IU, or 10,000 IU, depending on their baseline serum vitamin D level. Study visual abstract: Length of intervention Participants in the intervention group were instructed to consume one gummy daily for 12 weeks. Those in the control group were instructed to take one personalized vitamin D softgel pill daily for 12 weeks.  Intervention participants We screened suitable intervention candidates with low vitamin D serum levels. 39 healthy participants with low vitamin D levels at the baseline measurement were selected; they were vitamin D deficient (20 - <40 ng/ml) or severely deficient (10 - <20 ng/ml). In some cases, participants with a history of low vitamin D levels and currently taking vitamin D supplements were also selected to participate. Their current vitamin D supplement was replaced with a gummy supplement that has a closely matching vitamin D dose.  Intervention group inclusion criteria (assessed via a survey): History of low vitamin D and/or currently on personalized vitamin D supplementation in their supplement plan. Willingness to do an at-home biomarker test using a finger prick and a dry blood spot card. Willingness to do an additional vitamin D test via venipuncture at QuestLab or LabCorp  Vitamin D deficient (20 - < 40 ng/ml) or severely deficient (10 - < 20 ng/ml) at baseline  Willing to consume one gummy supplement per day for 12 weeks Willing to give feedback via survey Can be overweight or obese Intervention group exclusion criteria Those with advanced liver insufficiency, intestinal malabsorption, nephrotic syndrome, liver diseases, cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease, gastric bypass surgery and/or chronic renal failure were excluded from the intervention group. Study Results Gummy supplements had an equal effect to pills The gummy supplements were equally effective in raising vitamin D serum levels as the personalized vitamin D soft gel pills after 12 weeks of supplementation.  Figure 1. Significant improvement of the 25(OH)D3 blood serum levels of participants before and after supplementation with either the vitamin D gummy (n=22) or vitamin D softgel pill (n=32). The vitamin D gummy supplement group (left) with P value = 0.0016, and vitamin D softgel (right) with P value = 0.0019. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, a non-parametric equivalent of the paired t-test, was used for data analysis.  Majority of study participants preferred gummies to pills The gummy supplements were a popular alternative to traditional softgel pills, and compliance was high, with 79% of those in the gummy intervention group reporting that they took their gummy supplement daily. Participants enjoyed the gummy supplement’s fun and easy-to-eat format, personalized dose, 3D-printed design, and taste. 63% of the gummy intervention group found the gummies more appealing and enjoyable than taking supplement pills.  “I enjoy and look forward to having my gummy compared to the pills, which are much harder to take.” Preceding vitamin D gummy vs. pills study Similarly, a recent study [6] investigated the importance of the formulation and vehicle used for vitamin D supplements in achieving targeted circulating vitamin D levels associated with various health outcomes. The study concluded that vitamin D gummies are absorbed more effectively in the gastrointestinal tract, and could be a more effective option for individuals who struggle with traditional pills. Summary The vitamin D gummy supplements were equally effective in raising or maintaining vitamin D serum levels as vitamin D softgel pill supplements. The majority of participants in the intervention group preferred the vitamin D gummy supplement compared to vitamin D softgel pills. About the author Zuzana Krejciova-Rajaniemi, PhD, is Luminary Vitamins' science advisor. With a Doctor of Neuroscience degree from the University of Edinburgh, UK, focusing on neurodegenerative diseases and drug discovery, and over 15 years in the field, including work in a Nobel Laureate lab at UCSF, Zuzana possesses a profound understanding of cutting-edge scientific research.    References [1] Amrein, K., Scherkl, M., Hoffmann, M., Neuwersch-Sommeregger, S., Köstenberger, M., Tmava Berisha, A., Martucci, G., Pilz, S., & Malle, O. (2020). Vitamin D deficiency 2.0: an update on the current status worldwide. European journal of clinical nutrition, 74(11), 1498–1513. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-020-0558-y [2] Cashman K. D. (2020). Vitamin D Deficiency: Defining, Prevalence, Causes, and Strategies of Addressing. Calcified tissue international, 106(1), 14–29. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-019-00559-4 [3] Cashman, K. D., Dowling, K. G., Škrabáková, Z., Gonzalez-Gross, M., Valtueña, J., De Henauw, S., Moreno, L., Damsgaard, C. T., Michaelsen, K. F., Mølgaard, C., Jorde, R., Grimnes, G., Moschonis, G., Mavrogianni, C., Manios, Y., Thamm, M., Mensink, G. B., Rabenberg, M., Busch, M. A., Cox, L., … Kiely, M. (2016). Vitamin D deficiency in Europe: pandemic?. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 103(4), 1033–1044. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.120873 [4] Schleicher, R. L., Sternberg, M. R., Looker, A. C., Yetley, E. A., Lacher, D. A., Sempos, C. T., Taylor, C. L., Durazo-Arvizu, R. A., Maw, K. L., Chaudhary-Webb, M., Johnson, C. L., & Pfeiffer, C. M. (2016). National Estimates of Serum Total 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Metabolite Concentrations Measured by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry in the US Population during 2007-2010. The Journal of nutrition, 146(5), 1051–1061. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.115.227728 [5] Crowe, F. L., Jolly, K., MacArthur, C., Manaseki-Holland, S., Gittoes, N., Hewison, M., Scragg, R., & Nirantharakumar, K. (2019). Trends in the incidence of testing for vitamin D deficiency in primary care in the UK: a retrospective analysis of The Health Improvement Network (THIN), 2005-2015. BMJ open, 9(6), e028355. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028355 [6] Wagner, C. L., Shary, J. R., Nietert, P. J., Wahlquist, A. E., Ebeling, M. D., & Hollis, B. W. (2019). Bioequivalence Studies of Vitamin D Gummies and Tablets in Healthy Adults: Results of a Cross-Over Study. Nutrients, 11(5), 1023. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051023