The effect of micronutrient supplements on female fertility

Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Jun;25(3):173-80. doi: 10.1097/GCO.0b013e3283609138.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Benefit of micronutrient supplementation on female fertility.

Recent findings: Reports of randomized trials are rare. Most studies are focused on multivitamin supplementations. For some micronutrients, a positive impact on fertility could be shown. This article reviews the available clinical studies as well as the pathophysiological background of possible effects and summarizes the potential benefits of selected micronutrients on female fertility.

Summary: Apart from lowering the malformation risk by periconceptional supplementation of folic acid, substitution with different micronutrients, particularly folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iodine, selenium, iron, and DHA might have a positive impact on infertility treatment. The multivitamin formulation should take the pathophysiology, clinical studies, and upper limits into account.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ascorbic Acid / therapeutic use
  • Birth Weight / drug effects
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / diet therapy*
  • Micronutrients / therapeutic use*
  • Neural Tube Defects / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diet therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications / prevention & control
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control*
  • Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Selenium / therapeutic use
  • Vitamin B Complex / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Micronutrients
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Folic Acid
  • Selenium
  • Ascorbic Acid