Upon the occasion that I clean and clear out my cupboards, I used to come across the dreaded “supplement graveyard” – you know, the old supplements that were purchased in a spur of the moment attempt to correct some mild physical ailment. Without a clear clinical direction, I would take these with little understanding of how they would interact with the other various supplements I was taking, or how they would truly affect my unique physiology.
This changed a number of years ago when my mentor and Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor prescribed me a combination of supplements that made a huge impact on my expression of health. Within weeks I could feel a profound difference in my energy levels, my mood and the symptoms that ailed me. I was surprised to realize that the approach I had taken while attaining my own supplements was not as effective as it could have been. What a difference it can make, to follow the guidance of a practitioner who is well acquainted with one’s particular constellation of symptoms.
The quality, quantity and combinations of supplements are unique and responsive to each individual situation and constitution. A directed and specific treatment plan can have remarkable physiological effects, however, a supplement that might be effective for one person, might be completely unsuitable for another. Even the dosages recommended by a knowledgeable professional can vary from the suggestions on the bottle. When it comes to following a supplemental regimen, it is wise to step into it with the guidance of an expert.
At Whole Family Health, we carry a carefully curated collection of supplements and vitamins. With due diligence to research, we stay on the cutting edge of supplemental medicine, especially where fertility support is concerned.
3 Fertility Supplements:
Here are a few snippets of research that support three of the products that we carry, illustrated within the researched field of reproductive health:
- Coenzyme Q10 was shown in a 2015 study to restore mitochondrial function and fertile potential in the oocytes of human females. (1) Another randomized controlled trial showed that treatment with Coenzyme Q10 in the preconception stages improved ovarian response and embryo quality in women with decreased ovarian reserves. (2)
- A study in 2011 showed that an increased intake of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in the preconception stage can improve embryo morphology as well as the number of follicles maturing in an IVF cycle. (3) Another 2008 study discusses the importance of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in fetal and newborn neurodevelopment, the lack of dietary intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids as well as the importance of supplementation. (4)
- An evidence based review, conducted in 2016, indicates that oral antioxidant supplements improve sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA damage and fertility rate. Many of these vitamins and antioxidants are included in a Male Fertility SAP supplement. (5)
It is comforting to know that there is valid and thorough research backing up your supplemental treatment strategy! I am proud of my current supplement cupboard. Each item inside of my cupboard has been carefully chosen in response to my current physiological condition.
If you are curious about which supplements might support your unique constitution, please book in for a free 15 minute phone Q & A.
1. Ben-Meir, A., Burstein, E., Borrego-Alvarez, A., Chong, J., Wong, E., Yavorska, T., … Jurisicova, A. (2015). Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging. Aging cell, 14(5), 887–895. doi:10.1111/acel.12368
2. Xu, Y., Nisenblat, V., Lu, C., Li, R., Qiao, J., Zhen, X., & Wang, S. (2018). Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E, 16(1), 29. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0343-0
3. Hammiche, Fatima et al. (2011). Increased preconception omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake improves embryo morphology, Fertility and Sterility, Volume 95, Issue 5, 1820 – 1823
4. Greenberg, James A et al. “Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplementation during pregnancy.” Reviews in obstetrics & gynecology vol. 1,4 (2008): 162-9.
5. Ahmadi, S., Bashiri, R., Ghadiri-Anari, A., & Nadjarzadeh, A. (2016). Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review. International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, 14(12), 729-736. doi:10.29252/ijrm.14.12.729
