Find out what you really need to know about these important supplements and how they can impact your fertility!
Vitamin D – The Sunshine Vitamin
- Several studies have shown a link between vitamin D deficiency and infertility (particularly in women with PCOS).
- Vitamin D deficiency is more common than you’d think! An estimated 30% of reproductive age females are deficient.
- Up to 90% of our vitamin D stores come from sun exposure (which is becoming more limited with sunscreens and other beneficial ways we are preventing sun damage and wrinkles)
- You can also get vitamin D from fatty fish (sardines, salmon) and eggs
- Recommended daily vitamin D is 400IU. In women who are deficient, it’s recommended to take at least 800IU daily (though consult your doctor for a specific recommendation for you).
DHA
- DHA/Fish Oil/Omega 3s all refer to essentially the same nutrients and can be used interchangeably.
- DHA is important for fetal brain and eye development. For women who don’t eat a lot of fish, it’s especially good to have it in your prenatal vitamin
- There is some data (though limited) that DHA can improve outcomes in women undergoing fertility treatments
CoQ10
- Coenzyme Q or CoQ10 is an antioxidant that’s found in fish, some meats, oil, nuts, and seeds.
- It is needed in our body to make energy for our cells
- As an antioxidant it acts against harmful free radicals that can damage our DNA
- The theory behind using CoQ10 to “boost” your fertility is that it may decrease the effects of aging on your ovaries – so this could be helpful particularly in women closer to 40 who are trying to conceive
- There is data from several small studies that women taking CoQ10 have a better response to fertility treatments and potentially higher birth rates
Dr. Quimby is the co-founder of FemEd – a female health education platform that educates females of all ages about their bodies.
She is also a former professor at USC Keck school of Medicine where she led the OBGYN clerkship. She is passionate about education and empowering her patients and her students through knowledge and shared decision making.
She is currently a full time OBGYN at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.
Dr. Quimby has received accolades for teaching and leadership. She has been named Top Doctor by both Pasadena and Los Angeles Magazines. She is a regular speaker throughout the community giving talks to both the public and other physicians. She has contributed to LAist, SELF, and several other news media sources.
Her special interests include: preconception counseling and improving sexual health
When she’s not educating the public on all things female health she can be found traveling with her 2 young daughters and ever supportive husband.
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