#ThursdayThoughts
As promised, each Thursday, we will now offer you a piece of educational, science, or research related information. The purpose of our #ThursdayThoughts post is to share with you fact-based content that can enlighten and assist you on your fertility journey. Enjoy our post! Helping to Create New Beginnings….
Vitamin D and Coenzyme Q10
Vitamin D is important for bone health and calcium absorption. It is also known to play a role in the health of other cells in the body. It helps certain cells carry out essential functions, such as the regulation of cell growth and death. Cells in the uterus and ovaries can be affected if Vitamin D levels are low or if their receptors are not present. Calcitriol is the active form of Vitamin D and when it is bound to its receptor it can control the genes responsible for making estrogen. This in turn can affect uterine lining and immune cells in the uterus that can help fight off infections. When pregnant, low Vitamin D levels can also contribute to gestational hypertension and diabetes. Since few foods contain vitamin D and sun exposure may not be optimal, Vitamin D supplementation is often helpful. Vitamin D supplements can be found over-the-counter.
Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 is an essential nutrient in our bodies and an antioxidant that is used in all of our cells. Energy is required for cells to work properly and is produced by the mitochondria. The mitochondria are known as the “powerhouse” of a cell-it digests nutrients, breaks them down, and turns them into energy the cell can use. In regards to fertility, taking CoQ10 can help boost the function of mitochondria thereby improving egg quality. It has been shown that low levels of CoQ10 can contribute to problems with fertilization and genetic mutations which can decrease the viability of an embryo. Women with poor ovarian reserve may benefit from pretreatment with CoQ10. We recommend taking CoQ10 200-300 mg per day.
To learn more about supplements and their impact on fertility, please consult with your physician at the Fertility Institute of Hawaii 808-545-2800, or visit our website https://www.ivfcenterhawaii.com/
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Sowell, K.D., Keen, C.L, and Uriu-Adams, J., Vitamin D and Reproduction: From Gametes to Childhood. Healthcare (Basel). 2015 Dec; 3(4): 1097–1120. Published online 2015 Nov 9.doi: 10.3390/healthcare3041097.
Xu Y, Nisenblat V, Lu C, Li R, Qiao J, Zhen X, Wang S. Pretreatment with coenzyme Q10 improves ovarian response and embryo quality in low-prognosis young women with decreased ovarian reserve: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018;16:29.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00878124
