Supplementation for female fertility

Question 1

Vitamin A:
Cod liver oil 1 tsp / day

Answer 1

An antioxidant critical for cell division and
differentiation (pertinent for embryo development)

Question 2

CoQ10:
200mg per day

Answer 2

Important for oocyte development. Improves
ovarian response to IVF / ICSI treatment.

Question 3

Myo-inositol:
2000 mg per day for
26 weeks

Answer 3

Promotes ovarian function, enhances oocyte
quality, encourages regular cycles. A 2017 study
showed it increased pregnancy rates in IVF & ICSI

Question 4

Arginine:
1000–2000 mg x day

Answer 4

As a precursor to nitric oxide, it is required for
angiogenesis, fertility and hormone secretion.
Supports cell division and embryo development

Question 5

L-carnitine:
500–1000 mg daily
until embryo transfer

Answer 5

Increases endometrial thickness, useful for
implantation issues in ICSI and frozen embryo
transfers. Enhances oocyte ATP production

Question 6

Alpha lipoic acid:
300 mg of R-alpha
lipoic acid or 600 mg
normal ALA.

Answer 6

Antioxidant, has immunomodulatory effect, aids in
chelation of heavy metals, aids insulin sensitivity.
* Caution: May lower thyroid hormone
or improve blood sugar levels

Question 7

Vitamin C and E:
500 mg vit. C daily
200 IU vit. E daily

Answer 7

• Improves oocyte quality, protects
  against ovarian decline.
• Caution: Avoid vitamin E if taking aspirin

Question 8

Folate:
400 mcg daily
800 mcg in high
risk and obese
conditions.

Answer 8

• Required for RNA and DNA synthesis. It
  is important for neural tube development.
• Females with an MTHFR polymorphism
  should take methyl-folate.
• Increased need if expecting twins, MTHFR
  or obese (↑ BMI = ↑ risk of birth defects)

Question 9

Vitamin B3:
100 mg (best
taken as part of
a B complex).

Answer 9

Studied by Prof. Sally Dunwoodie, who
found that a deficiency in NAD can cause
recurrent miscarriages and birth defects.
These defects were completely prevented
with supplementation of niacin during pregnancy.

Question 10

Vitex agnus castus

Answer 10

• Regulates the cycle in women with irregular periods and general imbalance.
• Regulates prolactin levels (binds to dopamine D2 receptors ↓ prolactin pituitary secretion), enhances corpus luteum development and corrects luteal
  phase progesterone deficiency.
• Normalises shortened luteal phases.
• Effective in restoring the menstrual cycle
  after years of taking the contraceptive pill.

15–20 drops first thing in
the morning. Can take up to 3–6 months to see an effect.
Or 1 tsp dried berries decocted 1–2 daily.

Question 11

Ashwagandha:
(Withania
somnifera)

Answer 11

• Great fertility herb for females and males.
  Builds energy, stamina and libido.
• In males — ↑ DHEA, LH and testosterone;
  improves semen / sperm quality.
• Improves anxiety, anti-inflammatory
• Caution: Not for use in pregnancy.

1–4 ml of tincture up to 3 x day. Or 1 tsp powder / day.