Boost Your Fertility: The Secret Might Be in Your Supplements

Key Points

• Diet influences fertility. Say yes to foods low in glycemic index and rich in 'good' fats and plant-based protein.
• Certain supplements can be your fertility friends, especially if you're up against pesky hormone disruptors.
• Antioxidants are your body's mini knights in shining armor, safeguarding your fertility by combating oxidative stress.

Fertility can feel like a mystery, but scientists have been exploring how our diet and nutrition can make a significant impact. Even though we're still figuring out the details, research hints that some changes to what we eat and the supplements we take might help improve fertility. To understand how these dietary changes can affect your personal fertility situation, consider booking an appointment with a Registered Dietitian at Fay.

The Role of Supplements in Fertility

Have you heard of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)? These are sneaky little substances often found in everyday items such as cosmetics and things we use around the house. They can interfere with our hormones and make it harder to conceive. Some plastics like Bisphenol A (BPA), Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP), and Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) can even cause inherited reproductive and metabolic problems.

Now, here's the good news: certain oral supplements, known as methyl donor supplements, can help combat EDCs. These supplements are part of some pretty important processes in our body that help produce natural antioxidants and influence our genes.

A promising study tested these supplements on 55 women who had been trying to get pregnant for 3-7 years without success and had at least two failed assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. These women took a methyl donor supplement for four months, and impressively, eight of them got pregnant naturally within just three months. If you're interested in learning more about supplements that can boost fertility, a Registered Dietitian at Fay can guide you through the most suitable options. 

The Unseen Warriors: Antioxidants

Oxidative Stress (OS), resulting from an imbalance between the body's antioxidant protection and the production of harmful free radicals (ROS), can lead to variations in DNA methylation, which can negatively impact reproductive capacity. This is where antioxidants come into play. They help maintain cellular balance by limiting the production of free radicals and, consequently, support the body's detoxification system and protect against oxidative stress. These antioxidants include Glutathione, Lipoic acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10).

The importance of these antioxidants can be illustrated by the role of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) during pregnancy. Regular intake of ascorbic acid stimulates human placental/trophoblastic steroidogenesis, a process that naturally supports fertility and pregnancy. Furthermore, it has been observed that women with frequent miscarriages had lower blood levels of ascorbic acid.

Despite the well-documented benefits of antioxidants on reproductive capacity, their effect on menstrual function is less clear. It's important to note that incorrect or excessive consumption of antioxidants could lead to adverse effects. Speak with a Registered Dietitian at Fay to understand the right balance for you.

In Conclusion

There's still a lot to learn about how our diet influences female fertility. But one thing is clear: what we eat and the supplements we take can make a big difference. A balanced diet with less sugar, more good fats and plant proteins, along with certain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, can give fertility a boost. And certain supplements can help protect against environmental toxins that might harm fertility. This encouraging research offers hope for women who are struggling to conceive.

Remember, if you're thinking about making significant dietary changes or starting on supplements, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional first. Consider booking an appointment with a Registered Dietitian at Fay — they can help provide personalized advice and support tailored to your unique nutritional needs.

The views expressed by authors and contributors of such content are not endorsed or approved by Fay and are intended for informational purposes only. The content is reviewed by Fay only to confirm educational value and audience interest. You are encouraged to discuss any questions that you may have about your health with a healthcare provider.