Ovulation refers to releasing a fully matured egg from the ovary. If the egg is fertilized by sperm, it can develop into a pregnancy.
Studies show that vitamin D supplementation can boost female fertility and improve sperm health. Ensure you get this fat-soluble nutrient through a healthy diet and supplements.
N-acetyl cysteine
While a healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial for optimal ovulation, supplements for ovulation can provide additional support for women trying to conceive. N-acetyl cysteine, a precursor to glutathione, is a well-known mucolytic medication and powerful antioxidant used in various medical conditions. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with pulmonary diseases like cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive bronchitis, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It can replenish the intracellular GSH pool, reduce oxidative stress, and lessen inflammation and mucus production.
Studies have demonstrated that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) may have a positive effect on fertility in women who suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This is because NAC can help decrease oxidative stress, which plays a role in the manifestation of several PCOS symptoms, including irregular menstrual cycles and excessive hair growth.
According to the study, researchers discovered that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has a positive effect on ovulation and pregnancy rates in women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) when compared to those who did not receive it. However, it is important to note that the study was conducted on a small scale, and further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Interestingly, NAC is available in many foods, including meats (especially poultry and bacon), fish, eggs, dairy products, soybeans, and broccoli. It is also readily available as a supplement in pharmacies. However, it is important to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional when taking any supplement, especially one that is new to you. It will help ensure you get the appropriate dose and address potential side effects.
Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body. It can also help regenerate other antioxidants, including vitamin C and E. Unlike most antioxidants, alpha-lipoic acid is fat and water-soluble, meaning it can work throughout the body. It is important for cellular energy metabolism and helps to prevent mitochondrial damage.
Research has found that ALA may improve follicle growth in women with PCOS. In one study, 40 infertile women with PCOS were given either a placebo or 1,800 mg of ALA per day for six weeks. They then underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a form of in vitro fertilization, to achieve pregnancy. Those who received the ALA showed a greater increase in prolactin and luteinizing hormone levels and a greater number of oocytes in the final fertilized stage.
While the benefits of ALA are promising, it is important to remember that this supplement can interact with some medications, such as insulin and some chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor before adding this herb/supplement. It would help if you also were cautious when combining it with other supplements and medications, especially those that can affect the absorption of thiamine.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in several enzymatic reactions in the body, including those related to muscle and nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and maintaining a normal heart rhythm. Magnesium is vital for bone formation, protein synthesis, and DNA replication. It also facilitates the active transport of calcium and potassium ions through cell membranes, crucial for nerve impulse conduction and muscle contraction. Luckily, for those with a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, it is rare to be deficient in this nutrient.
In PCOS, a magnesium deficiency can be associated with increased insulin resistance and inflammation. Taking magnesium can help reduce PMS symptoms by decreasing the imbalance between estrogen and progesterone in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It can also decrease anovulation, characterized by no periods or irregular menstrual cycles, and may improve fertility by helping the ovaries release mature eggs.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a vital hormone that influences many systems in the body, including reproductive functions. Research shows that optimal vitamin D levels can increase the survival of preantral follicles and their selection and boost ovulation and fertilization. Vitamin D can also increase sperm count and enhance the production of ovarian steroid hormones, such as progesterone and estradiol.
In addition, a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility found that women with PCOS who had high vitamin D levels were more likely to have regular periods and a higher pregnancy rate than those with low vitamin D levels.
In polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), sub-optimal vitamin D levels were associated with altered ovulatory function, including disrupted ovarian hormone balance, overproduction of anti-mullerian hormone, and accumulation of pro-inflammatory Advanced Glycation End Products and Reactive Oxygen Species, which can lead to abnormal folliculogenesis. In human intervention studies, vitamin D supplementation restored adequate serum 25(OH)D concentrations, resulting in normal ovulation and improved ovulation-induction response rates.
It has also been found that vitamin D plays an important role in egg development in mice. This is crucial as eggs are necessary for conception. Mice deficient in vitamin D or have a gene mutation that prevents the expression of vitamin D receptors exhibit reduced fertility and immature eggs. When these mice are given vitamin D supplements or calcium alone, the number of oocytes and their activation and maturation return to normal.
