Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E
For the health condition: Infertility

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin E has been investigated for its potential role in supporting or treating infertility, particularly due to its antioxidant properties. The rationale is that oxidative stress can negatively impact reproductive health in both men and women—damaging sperm DNA, reducing motility, and affecting oocyte quality and endometrial receptivity. Vitamin E, as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, helps neutralize free radicals, potentially protecting reproductive cells from oxidative damage.

Some clinical studies have evaluated vitamin E supplementation in men with idiopathic infertility. Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials have shown modest improvements in sperm motility and a reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation after vitamin E supplementation, especially when combined with other antioxidants. For example, a 2019 review in Andrologia reported improved sperm parameters and pregnancy rates in some trials, but the overall quality of evidence was low to moderate, and results were inconsistent.

In women, evidence is less robust, with only a few small studies suggesting possible benefits in improving endometrial thickness or IVF outcomes. However, these findings are not consistent, and more large-scale, high-quality trials are needed to confirm efficacy.

In summary, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some supportive data, the scientific evidence for vitamin E as a treatment for infertility is limited and inconsistent. Current guidelines do not recommend vitamin E as a first-line therapy for infertility, but it may be considered as an adjunct in certain cases, especially in the management of oxidative stress-related infertility.

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