What is Fertility for Women – Pro conception?

This formula is specifically designed to provide the essential and appropriate nutrients to support a woman of reproductive age. The nutrients within this formula provide antioxidant support, help stabilise glycaemic control, and help promote appropriate cellular function to encourage female fertility.
Ideally, this formula should be taken at least 90 days ahead of planned conception.

Why take Folic Acid?

Folate and vitamin B12 are both vital components needed for synthesis of DNA, cysteine, methionine and the transfer of RNA. Therefore, during the peri-conceptional period when there is rapid cell growth, requirements for these nutrients are enhanced.
Women are recommended to supplement with folic acid during pre-conception to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). Evidence that peri-conceptional folic acid supplementation can significantly reduce the prevalence of NTDs was supported by a study conducted in China over a 2-year period among women preparing for marriage. The risk of NTDs among fetuses decreased by between 50-80% for women taking a folic acid supplement more than 80% of the time1. This was further confirmed by a randomized control trial conducted over 7 countries which resulted in a significant reduction of NTD cases in those supplementing with 400ug of folic acid. A recent study examined the relationship between timing and duration of folic acid supplementation in achieving ideal folate levels for the prevention of NTDs. Woman who were taking folic acid 400ug at least 4-8 weeks before conceiving, established optimum levels of folate in the blood.

Evidence has also identified an important role for folic acid in improving the likelihood of reproductive success. Follicular fluid folate levels have been associated with 3-fold greater odds of becoming pregnant among woman undergoing assisted reproduction. A prospective study conducted in the US, found that women undergoing infertility treatment and pre-treated with supplemental folic acid at 800ug or above, were more likely to have a live birth. Whilst, Vitamin B12 intake was also positively associated with live birth rates after assisted reproduction. Similar results were obtained in a small RCT, of sub fertile women who took a multivitamin (containing 400μg of folic acid) for 3 months, 26% had a pregnancy compared with 10% of women in the placebo group.
Why take DHA ?
Docosapentaenoic acid (DHA) is an important omega 3 fatty acid crucial for cellular health and hormonal regulation. DHA is a long highly unsaturated fatty acid chain (HUFA) known to improve the synthesis of prostaglandins (PG). Improving the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6 is known to improve prostaglandin function and reduce the inflammatory process. In a North America cohort, women in the lowest quartile of omega-3 PUFA intake had lower fecundability than women in the other quartiles8. Increased levels of DHA independently, was associated with a reduced risk of anovulation in a cohort of healthy regularly menstruating women, with similar inverse trends for the other long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. A 2011 meta-analysis indicated an increase in mean gestational age and birth weight, and a decrease in the number of infants born prior to 37 weeks’ gestation in mothers receiving w-3 LCPUFA supplementation during pregnancy.

Neural tissues in the brain and retina are rich in structural DHA and it is vital that an adequate supply of the unsaturated fatty acid is laid down and available before and during pregnancy, for baby development. In an environment that provides little preformed DHA and a high ratio of dietary n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, maternal supplementing with DHA during pregnancy is important for DHA transfer to the foetus. There have been numerous observational studies that link maternal DHA status or intake during pregnancy, to a variety of positive developmental outcomes in the offspring.

Why take VITAMIN B12 for fertility?

Higher serum concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 before assisted reproductive technology (ART)treatment was associated with higher live birth rates among a population exposed to folic acid fortification. The study consisted of a random sample of 100 women participating in ART. Women in the highest quartile of serum and B12 had 1.62 and 2.04 times the probability of live births,

respectively, compared with women in the lowest quartile.

How can VITAMIN A help with fertility?

Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant with an important role in assisting cellular growth and differentiation, as well as embryo and placenta development, and improving the integrity of epithelial tissue and cilia lining the fallopian tubes. Low vitamin A levels have been linked to anovulation, a condition where the ovaries don’t release an oocyte during menstruation and women who habitually miscarry. A cohort study assessed the relationship between intake of vitamin A, in 493 health mothers before and around conception, and adverse birth outcomes associated with environmental toxic exposures. Results found that vitamin A intake had a positive effect on birth weight and a protective effect against prenatal exposure to pollutants was seen in mothers with a higher intake of Vitamin A.

How can INOSITOL help with fertility?

Women with PCOS often have a defected tissue availability or altered metabolism of inositol, which can contribute to insulin resistance. Supplementing with inositol has demonstrated to improve endocrine and reproductive outcomes, including ovulation, in women with PCOS. A systematic review identified that inositol supplementation in women with PCOS, increased the rate of ovulation and frequency of menstrual cycles. An additional improvement in glycemic parameters was also seen, compared to placebo.

A prospective controlled observational trial involving 72 poor responders to IVF was divided in to group A: patients taking myo-inositol and folic acid or group B: women only taking folic acid, 3 months prior to IVF. Results found significantly lower FSH units and significantly higher rate of developing oocytes in group A compared with group B. Furthermore, the ovarian sensitivity index was higher in those pre-treated with myo-inositol, showing an improvement in ovarian sensitivity to gonadotropin.
VITAMIN E- Alpha tocopherol is the most biologically active from of vitamin E for conception, its name comes from the Greek words tokos which means ‘offspring’ and phero ‘to bear’20. This powerful plant-derived, lipid soluble antioxidant is essential for fertility and reproduction, by maintaining ovary health and improving regulation of hormone activity. Low levels of vitamin E have been identified in infertile women with endometriosis and increased levels of lipid peroxidation.
VITAMIN D - Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin involved in the homeostasis of calcium and phosphorus and promotion of bone mineralization. It also regulates cell differentiation, proliferation and growth, these actions are medicated through vitamin D receptors (VDR). There is a presence of VDR within the reproductive tissues of women, suggesting a possible role in the reproductive process. VDRs are expressed in the ovaries, placenta and endometrium. A cohort study of 132 women identified a positive association between total vitamin D intake and chance of conceiving a clinical pregnancy. There were a significantly higher number of pregnancies and live births among women who met the vitamin D RDA and with sufficient serum levels21.

Low maternal levels of vitamin D have been associated with early-onset, severe pre-eclampsia (EOSPE), and clinical data has suggested a potential reduced risk of preeclampsia with only 10-ng/mL increase in maternal 25(OH)D (storage form of vitamin D in the body). A study observed that patients with EOSPE and a small for gestational age (SGA) fetus had significantly lower serum (33% reduced) vitamin D

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID - Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant in all human cells. It assists in chelating heavy metals, minimizing risk of cellular damage, and regenerating other antioxidants—

vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and glutathione15.

Ageing women supplemented with alpha lipoic acid for 60-90 days before treatment of controlled ovarian stimulation and IVF. Results found an increased number of mature oocytes and good quality embryos, which resulted in a higher pregnancy

CHROMIUM - Both chromium and alpha lipoic have proven effective at increasing insulin sensitivity in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common endocrine disorder which affects 5-10% of women at reproductive age. The condition can prevent conception and is characterized by irregular menstruation, insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. A study conducted on women with PCOS who supplemented with chromium picolinate, found that glucose levels, insulin sensitivity and ovulation rates were improved.

IRON - Iron is required for red blood cell formation, transport of oxygen to tissues, nucleic acid metabolism and acting as a cofactor for many enzyme reactions. Iron deficiency and anemia during pregnancy increase the risk of premature birth, and are associated with low birth weight together with delayed maturation, and low cognitive and motor capacity of the child. Iron supplements preconception have been proven to lower risk of ovulatory infertility and improve fetal motor development. The beneficial effect of supplementing with iron prior and during pregnancy has been well documented. A prospective study of 82 healthy women intending to get pregnant found that early iron supplementation improves biochemical status of the mother and newborn birth weight, in those who started pregnancy with iron deficiency.
IODINE - During pregnancy, thyroid function alters as a result of metabolic demands and hormonal changes. Iodine is a nutrient required by the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. The need for iodine increases substantially during pregnancy due to a 50% rise in thyroid hormone production and an increase in renal excretion of iodine. Therefore, supplementing with iodine prior to conception can help a mother establish substantial levels of iodine in preparation for pregnancy.
SELENIUM - Reduced fertility in women has been linked to insufficient body saturation with selenium. One mechanism behind this could be the role selenium plays as a co-factor for antioxidant enzymes, which are responsible for neutralization, elimination and prevention of reactive oxygen species.

VITAMIN C AND BIOFLAVONOIDS - Vitamin C is a primary water-soluble antioxidant. It protects folic acid and vitamin E from oxidation and improves fertility outcomes in women with luteal- phase defects. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in the synthesis of collagen, growth and repair of ovarian follicles and development of the corpus luteum. Vitamin C is best co-prescribed with bioflavonoids, which strengthen capillaries, preventing miscarriage and breakthrough bleeding during pregnancy.

thyroid hormones are essential in regulating the development of the fetal brain and nervous system including the creation and growth of nerve cells, the formation of synapses, which are required for communication between nerve cells, and myelination, which is the formation of a fat-based layer that allows for fast communication between nerve cells.

Dosage: 2 capsules daily with food or as recommended by a practitioner. Once pregnancy has been confirmed, switch to Viridians Pregnancy Complex capsules.

Potential applications:

To provide nutritional support for pre-conceptual health and well-being. This formula provides nutritional support which can function within an integrated (mind/body) approach to supporting cases of infertility.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Once pregnancy has been confirmed, move on to the Pregnancy for Women. Drug Interactions: Zinc supplements, particularly on an empty stomach can cause a feeling of slight nausea

therefore take alongside a meal.

Ingredients

FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY

Two vegan capsules provide:

Vitamin E (d-aplha tocopheryl acetate) 100iu

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) 30mg

Vitamin B3 18mg

Alpha lipoic acid 50mg

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 100mg

Zinc (picolinate) 15mg

Iron (bisclycinate) 10mg

Inositol 30mg

Iodine 150ug

Selenium (methionine) 100ug

Citrus bioflavanoids 20mg

Manganese (citrate) 2.5mg

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phospate) 5mg

Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) 700iu

Copper (citrate) 1mg

Chromium (picolinate) 100ug

Folic Acid 400ug

Vitamin B12 50ug

Vitamin D3 10ug

Related products:

Organic Scandinavian Rainbow Trout Fish Oil, Organic Golden Flaxseed Oil, Vega EPA and DHA, Organic Folic Acid, Synerbio Daily.

Updated January 2018

Useful links – it is recommended to eliminate saturated and hydrogenated fatty acids and increase the intake of high quality polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly omega 3 fatty acids, as these oils function in all aspects of reproductive health.
The herb vitex agnus castus has been used in the treatment of many female conditions, including menstrual disorders (amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), corpus luteum insufficiency, hyperprolactinaemia, infertility, acne, menopause and disrupted lactation.

Note: Coeliac women may suffer from gynaecological and obstetric complications. It is possible that these complications are the first symptom of coeliac disease. Silent coeliac disease should be considered in the case of women with unexplained infertility.

Vegan, Veg Caps

This formulation is specifically designed to provide the essential and appropriate nutrients to support a woman of reproductive age. Ideally, take a least 90 days ahead of planned conception.

Supplemental folic acid intake increases maternal folate status. Low maternal folate status is a risk factor in the development of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. The beneficial effect is obtained with a supplemental folic acid daily intake of 400ug for at least one month before and up to three months after conception.

Vitamin E has a role in the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This 'oxidative stress' appears to be a major factor in many human diseases. Vitamin C plays an essential role in numerous areas of human health. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones, cartilage, skin, gums and teeth. Vitamin C also enhances iron absorption and the normal energy-yielding metabolism. Vitamin C aids in the maintenance of the immune system including during and after intense physical exercise. Vitamin C contributes to normal psychological function, the functioning of the nervous system and contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This 'oxidative stress' appears to be a major factor in many human diseases.

Zinc is a mineral essential to many body processes including the maintenance of normal cognitive function, vision, fertility and reproduction, hair, skin and nails and the immune system. Zinc also contributes to the normal metabolism of fatty acids and macronutrients. Iron is essential for the healthy production of haemoglobin and red blood cells. This formula contains iron bisglycinate, a form of iron that is gentle on the digestive system. Iron contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and contributes to normal cognitive function.

Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails, the normal function of the immune system, normal thyroid function and for the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This 'oxidative stress' appears to be a major factor in many human diseases.

B6 (pyridoxine) contributes the regulation of hormonal activity, to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the energy-yielding metabolism, to normal psychological function and the functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the normal function of the immune system, to normal homocysteine metabolism and red blood cell formation.

Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the maintenance of normal connective tissues, to the normal pigmentation of hair and skin, the normal function of the nervous and immune systems, and for the protection of cells from oxidative stress. This 'oxidative stress' appears to be a major factor in many human diseases.

Chromium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels. Folic acid (folate) contributes to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue, the normal function of the immune system, normal psychological function, and the processes of normal homocysteine metabolism, amino acid synthesis, cell division and blood formation.

B12 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism and red blood cell formation, to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, the energy-yielding metabolism, to normal psychological function and the functioning of the nervous system. Vitamin B12 also contributes to the normal function of the immune system.

Directions: As a food supplement, take two capsules daily with food, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Two vegan capsules provide:

Ingredient	Weight	%EC NRV
Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 100iu	67mg	557
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)	30mg
Alpha lipoic acid	50mg
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	100mg	125
Zinc (picolinate)	15mg	150
Iron (bisglycinate)	10mg	71
Inositol	30mg
Selenium (methionine)	100ug	182
Citrus bioflavanoids	20mg
Manganese (citrate)	2.5mg	125
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate)	5mg	357
Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) 700iu	210ug	36
Copper (citrate)	1mg	100
Chromium (picolinate)	100ug	250
Folic Acid	400ug	200
Vitamin B12 (Adenosylcobalamin and Methylcobalamin)	50ug	2000
Vitamin D3 (400iu)	10ug	200
Iodine (as Potassium Iodide)	150ug	100
in a base of alfalfa, spirulina and bilberry

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