Fertility Supplements: Do They Maintain Your Reproductive Power?
Contents
Understanding infertility: What causes it?
Signs and symptoms of infertility in men and women
What are the key fertility supplements and nutrients?
Natural tips to maintain fertility in men and women
Revamping your fertility is possible with LIVV Natural
Are fertility supplements the missing link in your reproductive success? The inability to conceive and have a normal pregnancy can make you feel like a misfit. Some people even end up depressed or withdrawn.
Choose a different path to enjoy the beauty of conception and normal pregnancy. While you can’t control your age, modern fertility treatments can help you feel young again. These remedies replenish essential reproductive nutrients in your body to optimal levels.
Join us to explore male and female fertility and how to leverage our natural remedies.
Understanding infertility: What causes it?
Infertility is the inability to conceive despite unprotected sex for over a year. About 48 million couples globally experience this reproductive disorder.
Nearly 45% of reported infertility issues affect both males and females. Scientists predict an even bleaker future due to evolving lifestyle habits.
This problem can arise from various physical, emotional, and sociocultural issues. Oxidative stress (OS) and conditions like varicocele, cryptorchidism, and hypogonadism also cause infertility. In rare cases, certain genetic factors trigger this reproductive disorder.
How do you salvage your reproductive health? Common remedies include surgical extraction of defective tissue or hormonal fertility supplements. The latter has promising results when administered through antioxidants, which reduce oxidative damage.
What’s the role of oxidative stress in infertility?
Oxidative stress is an imbalance of defensive antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Simply put, excessive ROS levels or reduced antioxidant defenses result in OS.
This anomaly influences most of the male and female reproductive attributes throughout their lifetime.
Current scientific research shows OS can contribute to male infertility through:
- Lowering sperm motility
- Damaging sperm DNA
- Increasing the risk of genetic diseases and perennial abortions
Besides male fertility, OS can affect pregnancy and a newborn’s genetic status. Treatment with antioxidants can boost fertility and reduce disease transmission to your offspring.
Scientific evidence shows low antioxidant reserves in the body accelerate OS. Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E protect you from ROS. They help neutralize its production and adverse effects.
ROS are highly reactive compounds containing oxygen. They can damage biomolecules and injure body cells and tissue.
The body naturally produces some ROS as a normal biological process. Harm can only occur when it releases excessive ROS.
How do antioxidants work against ROS? They have three modes of action:
- Directly hunting for ROS already established in the system
- Inhibiting the formation of ROS at the source
- Repairing or removing the damage or stress already caused by ROS
Signs and symptoms of infertility in men and women
Before taking our male fertility supplements, it’s vital to see whether you qualify. Here are the common symptoms of infertility in men:
- Fluctuations in sexual desire
- Pain or swelling on the testicles
- Difficulty maintaining an erection
- Inability to ejaculate
- Tiny or firm testicles
Do you need fertility supplements for women? Evaluate your reproductive health with these symptoms in consultation with our specialists:
- Erratic periods
- Heavy or painful periods
- Absence of periods
- Signs of hormone fluctuations like weight gain, thinning hair, or skin issues
- Painful sex
Remember, an early infertility diagnosis could boost your odds of getting pregnant. Keep listening to your body and notify your doctor if symptoms pop up.
What are the key fertility supplements and nutrients?
Fertility supplements contain essential micronutrients often taken as dietary components. They comprise vitamins and nutrients that your body needs in tiny quantities.
Most people take these additives to boost their chances of becoming pregnant. Supplements are also crucial to support fetal growth and influence pregnancy outcomes.
Micronutrient deficiency in expecting mothers can cause preterm deliveries and neurological defects. It may also result in reduced birth weight. These effects may extend into the child’s adulthood. Some people become more prone to non-communicable diseases.
A 2019 study discovered that micronutrient supplementation helps with female fertility. Women who took supplements thrice weekly had a reduced risk of ovulatory infertility. The research results are positive whether you consume single or multiple micronutrients.
Below, we highlight supplements, foods, and practices that can help you maintain fertility.
NAD+
NAD+, or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, is a coenzyme that supports different body reactions. It’s critical to energy metabolism and influences certain cellular functions, including:
- Metabolic pathways
- DNA repair
- Chromatin remodeling
- Cellular senescence
- Immune cell function
All these processes are essential to sustaining tissue and metabolic stability. They’re also fundamental to healthy aging. There’s a typical reduction in cellular and tissue NAD+ levels as you age. Issues like cancer, frailty, and cognitive impairment can escalate this decline.
Replenishing NAD+ levels could slow down or reverse most age-related fertility issues. As women age, there’s a decline in their egg (oocytes) quality due to DNA damage. Taking NAD+ may help in DNA repair, making it one of the best fertility supplements for women.
A research study proves that NAD+ revamps the quality of oocytes in aging mammals. The aftermath is normal fertility restoration. These positive effects can extend to the growing embryo. The supplement reverses the impact of maternal age on fetal development.
These findings are a promising basis for further human research. Scientists are yet to establish optimal NAD+ levels to restore female fertility.
Another preliminary study showed that higher nicotinamide (NAM) levels could be beneficial. NAM is a precursor to NAD+. Its concentration in follicular fluid improved the fertilization and maturation of oocytes.
Other natural ways to replenish NAD+ in your system include lifestyle changes like:
- Regular exercise
- Diet tweaks (consider fish, peanuts, avocados, milk, and white tea)
- Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun
Vitamin C
Vitamin injections and supplements are a popular modern-day fertility treatment. Many prefer the former, as they deposit essential nutrients directly into your bloodstream. They provide almost immediate results compared to supplements, but you’re open to choosing.
Ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, is a sought-after antioxidant that’s water-soluble. It’s crucial to maintaining skin health, bone, teeth, cartilage, and blood vessels. It also creates certain hormones and prevents cell damage, which could occur as you age.
Researchers administered vitamin C supplements to women undergoing infertility treatment. They aimed to stimulate hormones and observe the impact on pregnancies. Women who didn’t smoke had a higher pregnancy rate than their counterparts.
Another study proved that mothers who took vitamins during pregnancy produced normal infants. Most women with ascorbic acid deficiencies had teratogenic effects or birth abnormalities.
Women with a luteal phase defect usually experience infertility and miscarriage. An earlier study on 313 patients sought to rectify this condition. Researchers realized ascorbic acid supplementation boosts Serum P levels. Pregnancy rates were significantly higher afterward.
Here are a few foods to boost your vitamin C levels naturally:
- Strawberries
- Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, and grapefruits)
- Tomatoes
- Bell peppers
- Broccolis
- Cabbages
- White potatoes
Glutathione
Glutathione is a natural antioxidant in the body that helps protect other antioxidants. It’s a product of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. This compound originates from the liver and occurs in male and female gametes. It helps with:
- Building and repairing tissue
- Producing essential proteins and chemicals
- Immune system operation
A study on men with testicular cancer proves glutathione’s effectiveness. This supplement prevents the decline of male reproductive functions caused by chemotherapy. It also helps retain testicular structure and sperm quality.
Glutathione is a fundamental detoxifier in the body. Your cells release it when neutralizing the production of ROS and oxidative stress. It preserves other antioxidants, like vitamins E and C, in their reduced version. It’s this reducing power that counteracts oxidative damage in the body.
Some scientific evidence shows glutathione deficiency can affect sperm motility. This supplement also enhances sperm quality in infertile men with genital tract inflammation.
The antioxidant cushions female eggs from oxidative damage during folliculogenesis. In other words, the glutathione levels in your system determine your egg quality. Scientists say oocytes rich in glutathione form stronger and healthier embryos.
Glutathione levels in women’s ovaries typically decline with age. A few ways to enhance and optimize this antioxidant in your body include:
Taking foods rich in sulfur like onions, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower
Consuming the protein of non-pasteurized milk
Exercising regularly
Taking a combo of antioxidants like vitamins C and E as mixed tocopherols
Vitamin D
Vitamin D in men and women affects fertility and the outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF). It boosts fertility in healthy women and those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS combined with vitamin D deficiency often contributes to pregnancy-related complications. Newborns may experience fractures and congenital rickets.
Supplementing this compound to optimal levels lowers common fetal and maternal risks. It also reduces the threat of pregnancy-related bone loss in expecting women. Some studies say high vitamin D levels in the follicular fluid and serum boost pregnancy rates.
Another research review investigated the impact of vitamin D on menstrual disorders. Women with vitamin D deficiency had a higher frequency of irregular ovulation. Erratic ovulation is responsible for up to 40% of all infertility scenarios.
Consider these foods to boost your vitamin D levels naturally:
- Fatty fish
- Cod liver oil
- Salmon
- Beef liver
- Fortified cereals
- Egg yolk
Zinc
Zinc is among the most abundant trace elements in the human body. The body doesn’t store this nutrient, so you have to add it to your diet regularly.
Scientists say zinc is essential to men’s reproductive health. It can potentially improve sperm density, quality, motility, and fertilization.
This element boasts antioxidant properties that can help minimize the effects of ROS. It also contributes to hormone balancing. Optimizing a hormone like testosterone could benefit male fertility.
Zinc deficiency typically causes low sperm production and other sperm abnormalities. Taking this micronutrient can enhance conception and pregnancy outcomes significantly.
Natural tips to maintain fertility in men and women
Infertility issues are prevalent, but there are various ways to prevent them naturally. Start with rethinking your lifestyle and food choices. Here are a few ideas:
- Eat antioxidant-rich foods. A study of adult men discovered that eating 75 grams of whole-shelled walnuts daily helps. Walnuts boast antioxidant properties that can boost sperm quality and motility. High folate intake by women enhances reproduction.
- Increase your fiber intake. Fiber balances your blood sugar and removes excess hormones. It can also get rid of unwanted estrogen. Too much estrogen can lead to irregular periods and disrupt your reproductive health.
- Work out more. Regular exercise may sustain fertility in obese women, according to recent research studies. Women who took fewer calories while training had higher pregnancy rates.
- Embrace relaxation. Although today’s world is fast-paced, never miss a moment to relax and breathe. Scientific evidence shows psychosocial stress can suppress your reproductive function. Look for reliable counseling and support.
Revamping your fertility is possible with LIVV Natural
While a growing concern, infertility isn’t the end of life. Turn over a new leaf by understanding your fertility and how to sustain it.
You could conceive again if you become proactive. A healthy reproductive system enhances your quality of life and enjoyment.
How do you tell if you need help to beat infertility? Men often experience changing sexual desires, painful testicles, or erection issues. Women may notice irregular periods, hormonal changes, or pain during intercourse.
Are you afraid you may have challenges conceiving in the future? The medical industry is ever-advancing, so there’s always hope. From fertility supplements to natural remedies, there’s no shortage of sustainable solutions.
What supplement best suits you? How should you structure your diet? Book a consultation and talk to our fertility specialists at LIVV Natural today. We’ll go over your concerns together and chart out a personalized fertility optimization journey.
Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy