Supplements to Support Reproductive Health
A variety of factors influence fertility, including hormone balance, oxidative stress, and nutrient status. Research has shown that specific vitamins and minerals can support reproductive health in both men and women. This can happen by supporting healthy egg and sperm quality and overall hormonal balance. Clinically speaking, we cannot promise nutritional “fertility boosters” will enhance your chances of conception. However, these supplements from Metabolic Maintenance® are backed by clinical research to support crucial aspects of reproductive health in both sexes.
1. CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10)
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in cellular energy production. While our bodies do produce CoQ10 endogenously, the levels of natural production decline with age [1].
Research has found that CoQ10 supplementation improves ovarian reserve and egg quality in women, particularly those of advanced maternal age [1,2]. CoQ10 helps to restore the balance of reactive oxygen species, preventing DNA damage and oocyte apoptosis [1]. It also supports restoration of mitochondrial function in aging oocytes, leading to better fertilization outcomes [1].
For men, CoQ10 can improve sperm motility and concentration, key factors in male fertility [3].
Metabolic Maintenance®’s CoQ10 provides a bioavailable form of this essential nutrient to support reproductive health at the cellular level. Talk to your doctor about finding the right dosage to support fertility in your unique situation.
2. Acetyl L-Carnitine
Acetyl L-Carnitine is another antioxidant, an amino acid derivative, that plays a key role in energy metabolism and has been extensively studied for its benefits in male fertility. Historically, it has been marketed as a nutritional supplement for athletes, as its energy benefits can boost performance and post-exercise recovery [4]. However, its antioxidant properties can help prevent oxidative damage in the testis, directly benefiting the development of sperm motility, morphology, and concentration [4]. Acetyl L-Carnitine may also help in regulating hormones, subsequently supporting male fertility [4].
For female fertility, acetyl L-carnitine’s activities may work similarly to protect and promote egg quality and reduce oxidative stress in the ovaries [5]. This anti-apoptotic support likely extends to the protection of a developing embryo once conception has occurred [5].
Metabolic Maintenance®’s Acetyl L-Carnitine helps optimize cellular energy production and reproductive function in both men and women.
3. Methylated B-Complex with L-Methylfolate
L-Methylfolate, the active and ready-to-use form of folate, is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, making it a critical nutrient for fertility [6]. It plays a role in both oocyte maturation and quality and in the healthy development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord [6,7]. People with MTHFR gene mutations may have difficulty converting folic acid into its active form, L-methylfolate [8]. Luckily, L-methylfolate supplementation, in lieu of folic acid, provides a folate solution for a healthy pregnancy –and throughout life– for people with this genetic difference [8].
In men, adequate L-methylfolate levels have been linked to a more advantageous sperm count and reduced DNA fragmentation [9].
Metabolic Maintenance®’s B-Complex (with B9 as L-Methylfolate) provides bioavailable B vitamins, including folate in its methylated and active form, to support optimal reproductive health for people of all gene types.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for hormone production and balancing inflammatory responses, both of which are crucial for reproductive health. As such, higher omega-3 intake has been associated with improved fertility and embryo quality in women, regardless of whether they conceived naturally or were undergoing fertility treatments [10].
For men, omega-3s have been shown to reduce sperm fragmentation and enhance sperm motility and morphology, key markers of healthy fertility [11,12].
Metabolic Maintenance®’s Mega Omega™ Omega-3 softgels provide a high-quality source of EPA and DHA to support fertility in both men and women.
5. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant that has been studied for its effects on ovulation and sperm health [13,14]. NAC supplementation may significantly improve ovulation rates in women who have previously struggled with regular ovulation [13]. In men, NAC has been shown to balance oxidative stress and support normal spermatogenesis for healthy fertility [14].
Metabolic Maintenance®’s NAC helps combat oxidative stress and supports reproductive function in both men and women.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to enhancing fertility naturally, nutrition and targeted supplementation can make a significant impact. These five fertility boosters from Metabolic Maintenance® provide essential nutrients backed by scientific research to support reproductive health in both men and women. Whether you’re preparing for conception or looking to optimize your overall reproductive wellness, these supplements can be valuable additions to your routine.
Please note that the dosage of each supplement to target fertility will be unique to your body and nutritional needs. It is so important –especially when focused on reproductive health and the potential health of your baby– to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
Explore Metabolic Maintenance®’s fertility-supporting supplements today and take proactive steps toward reproductive health!
References
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14647273.2023.2194554
- https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/17/9541
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/10/6/874
- https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/18/5796
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mrd.23542
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0093691X22000309
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00381-023-05913-4
- https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=111697
- https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/10/3/241
- https://www.cell.com/heliyon/fulltext/S2405-8440(24)05355-6
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43032-023-01313-w
- https://www.scielo.br/j/ni/a/M9NV953tYRPbkcgKHjZfSBS/
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-nacetylcysteine-on-ovulation-and-sex-hormones-profile-in-women-with-polycystic-ovary-syndrome-a-systematic-review-and-metaanalysis/411E42E184DE550924D72725D0519A45
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/and.13898