Research shows that oxidative stress, a bodily condition that happens when your antioxidant levels are low, can seriously affect fertility in both men and women, making it harder to produce healthy eggs and sperm. To help combat this, our own Dr. John Jarrett has put together a list of supplements that can be beneficial for any couple trying to conceive.
Before starting any fertility supplement, always consult with your physician. It’s crucial to ensure that any supplement you take is safe and suitable for your specific fertility needs and/or medical condition(s). Your physician can provide personalized advice based on your health history and fertility journey.
Female Supplements
| Supplement |
Potential Benefits |
Dosing |
| Vitamin D3 |
- Promotes bone health and enhances immune & reproductive function
- May increase pregnancy rate
- May decrease risk of endometriosis
- May decrease lipid levels
- Safe to take during pregnancy
|
- 2,500 – 5,000 IU once daily
- Should be taken with the fattiest meal of the day
|
|
Vitamin K2
(MK-7 form)
|
- Promotes movement of calcium from the blood and into the bones, preventing it from building up in organs and vessels where it can cause damage
- Decreases levels of DHEA and free testosterone in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Safe to take during pregnancy
|
- 100 – 300 mcg daily
- Should be taken along with Vitamin D3 during the fattiest meal of the day
|
| Melatonin |
- Positive correlation between free follicular fluid concentration and optimal oocyte maturatioMay increase fertilization rates
- May improve oocyte quality, embryo quality, and implantation rates
- Discontinue with pregnancy
|
|
| CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) |
- Follicular fluid with higher concentrations of CoQ10 is associated with mature oocytes and higher-grade embryos
- Tissue levels decrease with age and use of certain medications
- Discontinue with start of IVF medications or with a positive pregnancy test
|
- 200 mg once or twice daily
|
|
Myo-Inositol
(for PCOS)
|
- Use correlates with higher quality, mature oocytes & insulin receptor activity
- May increase fertilization & implantation rates
- Decreases insulin resistance and blood glucose
- Discontinue with a positive pregnancy test
|
|
| Turmeric / Curcumin |
- Neutralize free radicals, which damage and destroy cells & DNA, causing accelerated aging
- Support joint, liver, brain, and heart health
- Support improved digestion and promote immune balance
- May decrease menstrual cramping
- Discontinue when IVF or FET medications are started
|
- 500 – 2,000 mg of turmeric daily; containing 150 – 250 mg of curcumin (preferably with a meal)
|
| NAD |
- Can improve fertility and restore oocyte quality
- Can improve metabolism and DNA repair
- Discontinue with a positive pregnancy test
|
|
| Fish Oil |
- Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to proper functioning of egg cells
- May protect against age-related decline in oocyte quality
- Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
|
- ~2,000 mg or more per day
|
|
NAC
(N-Acetyl Cysteine)
|
- Improves insulin response and lowers testosterone
- May protect and improve egg quality
- Discontinue with start of IVF medication
|
- 600 mg twice or three times daily
|
| DHEA
(Dehydroepiandrosterone) for women with low ovarian reserve undergoing IVF
|
- Promotes energy and enhances mood & immune function
- Helps with weight management
- Can increase egg quality & quantity of eggs produced
- May increase pregnancy rate and live births
- May reduce miscarriage rates
- Should be used at least 6 weeks prior to an IVF cycle and stopped after 3 months of use
- Discontinue with a positive pregnancy test
|
- 25 mg three times daily
- 25 mg once daily for those with PCOS
|
Male Supplements
|
Conception XR Reproductive Health Formula
(for IVF)
|
- Promotes sperm structure & function
- Can be taken with a low dose multivitamin
- Recommended at least 3 months prior to treatment
|
- 2 tablets per day with food
|
| Conception XR Motility Support Formula
(for timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI)) |
- Promotes sperm structure, function, and motility
- Can be taken with a low dose multivitamin
- Recommended at least 3 months prior to treatment
|
- 2 tablets and 2 capsules per day with food
|
| Vitamin D3 |
- Promotes bone health and enhances immune & reproductive function
- May increase sperm production by increasing testosterone production
- May decrease lipid levels
|
- 2,500 – 5,000 IU once daily
- Should be taken with the fattiest meal of the day
|
|
Vitamin K2
(MK-7 form)
|
- Promotes movement of calcium from the blood and into the bones, preventing it from building up in organs and vessels where it can cause damage
- Helps regulate testosterone production
|
- 100 – 300 mcg daily
- Should be taken along with Vitamin D3 during the fattiest meal of the day
|
| CoQ10
(Coenzyme Q10) |
|
|
| Fish Oil |
- Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to proper functioning of egg cells
- May improve sperm motility & increase sperm count
- Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation
|
- ~2,000 mg or more per day
|
| NAC
(N-Acetyl Cysteine) |
- Reduces oxidative stress that can damage sperm
|
- 600 mg twice or three times daily
|
