Nutritional supplements for ivf - what the research tells us

If you're undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF), you know that the journey can be both exciting and stressful. While IVF is a widely used and effective fertility treatment, supporting your body with the right nutrients can make a significant difference in your chances of success. The right nutritional supplements can help optimise your overall health, improve egg and sperm quality, and promote a healthy environment for embryo implantation.

As a Naturopath with a heavy focus on evidence based and holistic treatment, I want to share with you the key supplements that have been shown to have a positive impact during IVF. Here’s a breakdown of the most important nutrients to consider.

1. Folic Acid (or Folate)

Folic acid is one of the most well-known and essential supplements for anyone trying to conceive. It’s a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and tissue growth. During IVF, folic acid helps support early embryonic development and can reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing baby.

While folic acid is often prescribed by fertility specialists, it's also important to consider the bioavailability of the form you're taking. I always recommend taking methylated folate (the active form), which is especially important for those with genetic variations that impair folic acid metabolism.

2. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function, which is essential for cellular energy. Since the health of eggs and sperm depends on the energy produced by their mitochondria, CoQ10 has been shown to improve egg quality, embryo development, and even increase the chances of a successful pregnancy during IVF.

Studies suggest that CoQ10 supplementation can be particularly beneficial for women over 35, whose egg quality is more likely to be naturally declining with age. It’s also worth considering for men, as CoQ10 may improve sperm motility and overall sperm health.

3. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for immune function, bone health, and cellular growth. Adequate vitamin D levels are important for successful conception, as it helps regulate hormone levels, support ovarian function, and improve embryo implantation. Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with lower IVF success rates, so ensuring you're in the optimal range is crucial. So make sure to add this to your preconception blood test.

Vitamin D is often low in people living in areas with limited sunlight or those with darker skin tones, so supplementation may be necessary. Talk to your GP or Naturopath to check your levels and determine the right dosage for you.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, nuts and seeds (or fish oils and flaxseed oil if supplementing), are essential for maintaining healthy cell membranes, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormone production. Omega-3s, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are crucial for maintaining a healthy reproductive system and supporting both egg and sperm quality.

Research suggests that omega-3 supplementation can enhance the success of IVF, as it may improve embryo quality, increase implantation rates, and support a healthy pregnancy. Omega-3s can also help reduce inflammation and support overall reproductive health.

5. Inositol

Inositol is a naturally occurring compound that is similar to a B vitamin. It plays an important role in insulin signaling and ovarian function, and it has been shown to be particularly beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which we know can interfere with fertility.

Inositol supplementation has been shown to improve egg quality, regulate menstrual cycles, and enhance ovarian function, all of which are critical factors for IVF success. In particular, myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol are often used in combination to support fertility and improve the chances of pregnancy during IVF.

6. L-arginine

L-arginine is an amino acid that plays a key role in improving blood flow by stimulating the production of nitric oxide. This helps increase circulation to the uterus and ovaries, which can improve the chances of a successful embryo implantation.

Some studies suggest that L-arginine supplementation can improve IVF outcomes by enhancing the blood flow to the reproductive organs and supporting the implantation process. It's often used in combination with other fertility treatments to improve uterine receptivity.

7. Zinc

Zinc is a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in immune function, cell division, and fertility. It is essential for hormone production, including estrogen and progesterone, both of which are important for conception and pregnancy. Zinc also helps support egg quality and is vital for sperm health.

A deficiency in zinc has been linked to fertility issues in both men and women. Supplementing with zinc during IVF can help improve fertility and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.

8. Antioxidants: Vitamin C and E

Antioxidants are vital for protecting cells from oxidative stress, which can damage eggs, sperm, and reproductive organs. Vitamin C and vitamin E are two of the most well-researched antioxidants that support fertility by protecting the reproductive cells from damage and supporting overall health.

Vitamin C, in particular, is important for sperm health, as it helps protect sperm from oxidative damage and supports motility. Vitamin E also plays a role in improving egg quality and may contribute to better IVF outcomes.

9. Probiotics

Probiotics, or beneficial bacteria, help maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiome, which has a surprising connection to reproductive health. Research has shown that a healthy gut microbiome can support immune function, reduce inflammation, and even influence hormone regulation.

For women undergoing IVF, taking a high-quality probiotic may help improve the chances of successful implantation by supporting the immune system and reducing any underlying inflammatory conditions that could impact fertility.

So..what now?

Navigating IVF can feel overwhelming, but supporting your body with the right supplements can help enhance your chances of a successful pregnancy.

As always, it’s important to discuss any supplementation with your healthcare practitioners to ensure the right dosages and avoid any potential interactions with your IVF medications. Everyone’s fertility journey is unique, and personalised care is essential.

If you're considering IVF or already undergoing treatment, a holistic approach to nutrition and supplementation could be just the support you need for your fertility success. Feel free to reach out for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

If you have any questions or would like personalised advice on supplements for IVF, don’t hesitate to contact me. As a Naturopath, I’m here to support you every step of the way on your fertility journey.

References

Hart RJ. Nutritional supplements and IVF: an evidence-based approach. Reprod Biomed Online. 2024 Mar;48(3):103770. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103770. Epub 2023 Dec 20. PMID: 38184959.

Bodis J, Farkas B, Nagy B, Kovacs K, Sulyok E. The Role of L-Arginine-NO System in Female Reproduction: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Nov 28;23(23):14908. doi: 10.3390/ijms232314908. PMID: 36499238; PMCID: PMC9735906.

Favaron A, Turkgeldi E, Elbadawi M, Gaisford S, Basit AW, Orlu M. Do probiotic interventions improve female unexplained infertility? A critical commentary. Reprod Biomed Online. 2024 Apr;48(4):103734. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2023.103734. Epub 2023 Nov 20. PMID: 38359733.

Garner TB, Hester JM, Carothers A, Diaz FJ. Role of zinc in female reproduction. Biol Reprod. 2021 May 7;104(5):976-994. doi: 10.1093/biolre/ioab023. PMID: 33598687; PMCID: PMC8599883.