The role of food supplementation in the treatment of the infertile couple and for assisted reproduction.
Couple infertility commonly results from the synergistic negative influence of several factors. External factors, related to life-style and environmental exposure, reinforce the effects of congenital or acquired damage through direct toxicity, hormone disruption and overload of reactive oxygen species. Combating obesity, correcting inappropriate diet, and banning the abuse of tobacco and alcohol are part of the integrated approach of the infertile couple. Nutraceuticals are judiciously formulated food supplements containing particular vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and plant extracts. There is strong evidence that complementary treatment with an appropriate nutraceutical improves the natural conception rate of infertile couples and increases the success rate of assisted reproductive techniques.
Comhaire
Frank
F
Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. frank@comhaire.com
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D055101:Semen Analysis
D000975:Antioxidants