6 nutrients that increase female fertility

Trying to overcome infertility is not easy and women in this position are well aware of this. Fertility decreases with age and some modifiable factors such as increased caffeine consumption, stress, championships, obesity, chronic exposure to environmental pollutants and certain bad eating habits [1]. Diets rich in red and processed meats, sugar, potatoes, sweets and sugary soft drinks have negative effects.

There is not much research on the effect of micronutrients on the chances of conception, but some promising studies have identified their role in menstruation and ovulation, thyroid function, energy production, immune function and egg maturation.

Among the measures proposed to enhance your fertility is a simple option: increase the intake of certain micronutrients that can, for example, reduce the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, a cause of infertility. Researchers at Harvard Medical School in 2017 published a review of the impact of diet on fertility and found that folic acid, vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids were associated with positive results [2]. Other studies have found that vitamin D, acetyl L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10 may also help.

1. Folic acid

Taking folic acid supplementation or multivitamins containing folic acid has been associated with better fetal quality, improved chances of pregnancy and reduced risk of infertility [3]. Pre-conception folic acid has also been associated with improved success in fertility treatments and a reduced risk of neural tube defects in the baby. For women who plan to become pregnant or who may become pregnant the recommendation is 400 to 800 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day starting at least one month before.

2. Vitamin B12

Some studies have linked low levels of vitamin B12 to female infertility. One of the eight B vitamins, B12 helps your brain and nervous system function. Doctors report successful pregnancies in infertile women after B12 administration [3]. Note that an antidiabetic drug, metformin, causes B12 deficiency, so in this case you need larger amounts. Also, you are very likely to miss this vitamin if you follow a strict vegetarian diet.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an essential role in the reproductive function of women and men. Improves ovarian stimulation and sperm quality. However, if there is no vitamin D deficiency, the extra amount does not seem to help. A 2019 analysis found that women who were deficient in vitamin [25 (OH) D <20 ng / mL or 50 nmol / L] were less likely to ovulate and 40% less likely to have their baby born alive than women who were adequate. Vitamin D [4].

4. Acetyl L-carnitine

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a form of the amino acid L-carnitine (LC), which is naturally present in the body and helps convert fat into energy. Both have important regulatory properties of the oxidative and metabolic status of the female reproductive system [5]. ALC has a stronger antioxidant effect. Acetyl-L-carnitine supplements improve the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis and amenorrhea. Also, both ALC and LC can enhance sperm motility in men.

5. Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) helps produce energy in cells. Recent studies on the ability of this enzyme to cure infertility have been very positive. A study of 169 women found that CoQ10 may improve ovarian response in women undergoing IVF [6]. The pregnancy rate was 35% in women who received CoQ10 and 25% in those who did not.

6. Omega-3 fats

DHA fatty acids are found in high concentrations in sperm and are associated with improved sperm morphology and motility. Omega-3 fats can also be beneficial for female fertility. A study in female mice found that lifelong consumption of omega-3 fats prolongs their reproductive function [7]. Also, short-term treatment of omega-3 fats can help improve egg quality. Research on this subject is not enough, however experts recommend eating fish rich in omega-3.

At Vita4you.gr you will find a wide variety of supplements for women’s health and fertility!

References

1. Nutrition and Female Fertility: An Interdependent Correlation.
2. Diet and fertility: a review.
3. Association between serum folate and vitamin B-12 and outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies.
4. Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Poor Ovarian Stimulation Outcome in PCOS but Not Unexplained Infertility.
5. Role of L-carnitine in female infertility.Pretreatment with coenzyme
6. Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial.
7. Prolonging the female reproductive lifespan and improving egg quality with dietary omega-3 fatty acids.