Hypofertility and food supplements

Hypofertility problems can sometimes be caused by a number of deficiencies, particularly in selenium, vitamins (B, B9, C, D, E), magnesium, zinc and iodine. To put the body in the best possible condition in terms of fertility, food supplements can be prescribed to make up for these deficiencies. However, food supplements will only be effective in combination with a healthy diet.

Zinc is important for immunity. When men or women have a zinc deficiency, they have low progesterone levels (progesterone: involved in the development of the embryo and pregnancy). Magnesium is an essential element for women during preconception and early pregnancy, since it is involved in all enzymatic reactions and many metabolisms. A lack of vitamin B9, or folic acid, can cause multiple miscarriages, premature births or malformations of the baby. It also plays a role in the regulation of the menstrual cycle and strengthens ovulation. Iodine is very important for the development of the foetus and the creation of its thyroid hormones. The woman must not have an iron deficiency, since the foetus gradually builds up its iron stocks from the beginning of pregnancy. In men, vitamin D improves sperm motility. It also prevents rickets in children. Vitamin C strengthens the adrenal glands (synthesise sex hormones and contribute to the immune system), which allows the mother to be in optimal condition during her pregnancy. Finally, vitamin E acts on the reproductive organs by toning them.

In recent years, research has shown that an additional element: carnitine, has a very interesting impact on the conception of a baby.

Carnitine is biosynthesized from two amino acids: lysine and methionine. This molecule plays a role in the transport of fatty acids within cells in mitochondria («granule» in the cell necessary for energy reactions).

Carnitine intake can enhance several aspects of male and female fertility.

For women, L-carnitine supplements will reduce damage to the cytoskeleton (a set of large molecules called polymers that maintain cell architecture according to their type and role) of the eggs and apoptosis (death of the cell) of the embryos. Carnitine will strengthen egg quality in women undergoing IVF. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the leading cause of hypofertility in women and affecting 5 to 10% of women, have a carnitine level 50% lower than women without. For women with PCOS who are clomiphene (potential active ingredient) resistant, taking L-carnitine can improve ovulation quality and pregnancy rate. L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine, forms of carnitine, can help women suffering from functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (AHF, chronic anovulation) by increasing LH levels (the hormone that is at its peak during the menstrual cycle, called «ovulatory discharge», causes ovulation) and lowering the level of cortisol (stress hormone). A double-blind study was conducted on 170 women with PCOS who were resistant to clomiphone treatment (clomiphene hydrochloride, CC). 85 were treated with CC and placebo, and 85 were treated with CC and L-Carnitine. Ovulation rates and clinical pregnancy rates in group A supplemented with L-Carnitine increased, and other parameters were found to be improved, compared with group B, placebo.

For men, lifestyle and diet play a major role in sperm quality and male fertility. It is scientifically proven that men who are oligo-astheno-azoospermia have lower levels of L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine in the seminal fluid than fertile men. Acetyl-L-carnitine represents 50% of the total carnitine in the seminal fluid. Men with low sperm mobility have a decreased ALC/LC ratio. A study was conducted on 325 men suffering from idiopathic oligoasthenospermia (reduced sperm mobility and low sperm concentration in spermatozoa) with varicocele (presence of varicose veins at the level of the sperm cord, around and above the testicles). Supplements were given for 6 months. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology were assessed before, during and after treatment. Pregnancy rates were also evaluated. The pregnancy rate increased from 1.7% in the placebo group to 21.8% in the group taking supplements. An improvement in the sperm parameters was also observed after 3 and 6 months compared to the placebo group.

In conclusion, fertility can be boosted if we treat certain deficiencies with care, especially with supplements.