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When it comes to fertility supplements, there are some basic nutrients we know we have to check off. Essential micronutrients like selenium, iron, zinc, folate, choline, vitamins A-E and K, and iodine all come as semi-no-brainers.
And if you’ve spent any time shopping the aisles for fertility supplements, you know these nutrients are found in just about every single prenatal vitamin you pick up.
These are all great and fully necessary micronutrients, yes, but there are a handful of other, well-researched compounds that help to maintain the health of your reproductive cells (sperm or eggs) and endocrine system when striving for successful fertilization.*
CoQ10, grape seed extract, and n-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) are all found in Fairhaven Health’s FH PRO for Men and Women, both of which are designed to be an antioxidant-based fertility pill and preconception vitamin all-in-one.
Myo-inositol, d-chiro-inositol, and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) are selectively found in FH PRO for Women, but the male blend has its own complimentary compounds that are uniquely selected for male fertility, such as:
1) L-Arginine HCl, a form of the essential amino acid L-arginine, that helps support sperm quality, count, movement, and shape, and 2) Lycopene, a type of carotenoid found in plants that serves as an antioxidant, and works by supporting healthy responses to inflammation, helping to maintain cellular integrity of sperm, and regulating the balance of estrogen to testosterone.*
5 fertility supplements ingredients you should know about
1. Myo-Inositol and D-Chiro-Inositol
What are they?
Myo-inositol, also known as inositol, is a naturally occurring compound that belongs to the B vitamin family. It’s a carbohydrate with a chemical structure that’s similar to glucose and is found in various foods, particularly fruits, beans, grains, and nuts.
It’s also naturally synthesized by your body through a series of enzymatic reactions that occur when you break down glucose, your body’s preferred energy source that comes from carbohydrates.
D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is an isomer of inositol, specifically one of Myo-inositol. Isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula but different structural arrangements. While Myo-inositol is the most abundant form of inositol in the body, D-chiro-inositol is present in smaller amounts.
The main difference between the two is how they act in the body and their roles in maintaining health. Myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol are naturally occurring in the body in a 40:1 ratio.
For example, Myo-inositol is highly involved in cellular signaling, fat metabolism, and brain neurotransmitter action, while D-chiro-inositol is heavily involved in the metabolism of glucose and how it is converted into energy.
What do they do for fertility?
Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol have been shown to aid in fertility function by:*
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Supporting ovarian function by helping to maintain glucose metabolism and healthy hormone levels*
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Supporting egg quality by helping to maintain cellular integrity to support the health of your eggs and sperm*
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Supporting menstrual cycle regularity by supporting normal hormone balance and ovulation*
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Supporting metabolism and hormone balance by helping to maintain glucose and hormone levels in the normal range*
It's worth noting that Myo-inositol can be converted to D-chiro-inositol through enzymatic processes.
2. Alpha-Lipoic Acid
What is it?
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring compound that functions as a powerful antioxidant in the body, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals that are the result of excessive oxidative stress, a byproduct of your metabolism.
ALA is naturally produced within your mitochondria, the energy-producing centers of cells, and found in various foods, such as spinach, broccoli, and organ meats, but can also be taken as a dietary supplement.
What does it do for fertility?
In terms of fertility, alpha-lipoic acid may have potential benefits in light of its antioxidant power (yet more advanced research is also needed).*
To date, it’s mostly known for:
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Supporting antioxidant activity, which helps to maintain cellular integrity to support the health of your eggs or sperm or other reproductive tissues*
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Supporting metabolism and ovulatory function by helping to reinforce normal glucose levels and hormone balance to maintain regular menstrual cycles
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Supporting mitochondrial function, which is necessary for energy production, overall cellular health, and the development of healthy eggs and sperm*
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Supporting the inflammatory response, which can help maintain the reproductive system and tissues*
3. CoQ10
What is it?
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinone, is a naturally occurring compound found in every cell of your body. It plays a crucial role in energy production, while also serving as an antioxidant.
It’s naturally synthesized in your body but can also be obtained through dietary sources like meat, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, or supplements.
What does it do for fertility?
CoQ10 is known to support reproductive health and fertility function in the following ways:*
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Supporting antioxidant activity, which helps to maintain cellular integrity to support the health of your eggs or sperm or other reproductive tissues*
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Supporting energy production, which can help maintain the development of eggs and sperm*
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Supporting sperm health by helping to maintain sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape), all of which are vital factors for male fertility*
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Helps maintain CoQ10 levels as we age, which is important in supporting normal fertility function throughout life*
4. Grape Seed Extract
What is it?
Grape seed extract is derived from the seeds of grapes, typically red grapes. It’s a concentrated source of plant compounds, including flavonoids, oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), and other antioxidants.
What does it do for fertility?
Grape seed extract has been positioned to support fertility function by:*
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Supporting antioxidant activity, which helps to maintain cellular integrity to support the health of your eggs or sperm or other reproductive tissues*
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Encouraging blood flow and circulation, including to the ovaries, uterus, and testes in men which supports optimal function of each*
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Supporting the inflammatory response, which can help maintain the reproductive system and tissues*
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Supporting reproductive tissue health, which is necessary to maintain the integrity and function of the uterus to support reproduction*
5. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC)
What is it?
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid, cysteine, and a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that plays a critical role in helping to maintain cellular integrity against oxidative stress.
NAC is only available as a supplement, however, intake of cysteine-rich foods like animal meats, dairy products, legumes, and eggs indirectly contributes to the availability of cysteine for the body to synthesize NAC.
What does it do for fertility?
NAC is known for benefiting fertility function by:*
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Supporting healthy fertile cervical mucus, which is necessary for the survival and transport of sperm to the reproductive tract*
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Supporting menstrual cycle regularity by supporting normal ovulation and glucose metabolism*
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Supporting sperm health by helping to maintain sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape), all of which are vital factors for male fertility*
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Supporting antioxidant activity, which helps to maintain cellular integrity to support the health of your eggs or sperm or other reproductive tissues*
Aside from the FH PRO for Women and Men, Fairhaven Health has a collection of 19 unique female fertility supplements and 15 unique male fertility supplements, all of which are equipped with clinically studied ingredients and proprietary blends designed to support your reproductive health and fertility.*
What sets Fairhaven Health apart is its focus on including lesser-known fertility nutrients that other brands often miss the mark on, and our readers receive 15% off their entire purchase (code will be automatically applied!). Learn more here.*
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Caroline McMorrow is Rescripted's Content Manager.
