Antioxidants taken by woman do not improve fertility or chances of getting pregnant, a Medical News reported.
The researchers from The Cochrane Library, the University of Auckland, New Zealand, discovered that women who took oral antioxidants were no more likely to conceive than those who took a folic acid supplement.
Around a quarter of couples planning a baby are thought to have difficulty conceiving. Women undergoing fertility treatment often take dietary supplements, including antioxidants, to try to increase their chances of becoming pregnant. The researchers analysed data from 28 trials involving a total of 3,548 women attending fertility clinics.
However, many antioxidant supplements taken to improve fertility are unregulated and there is limited evidence on their safety and effects.
The researchers reached their conclusions based on a study of 3,548 women undergoing fertility treatments. A variety of antioxidants were taken by the women studied, including:
- OctatronR,
- Multiple micronutrients and Fertility Blend
- N-acetylcysteine
- Melatonin
- L-arginine
- Vitamin E
- Myo-inositol
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D and Calcium
- Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
The results show no significant increase in women becoming pregnant when taking antioxidants compared to those taking placebos or being given standard treatment, including folic acid.