Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E
For the body system: Ovaries

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin E has traditionally been used to support female reproductive health, including ovarian function, but robust scientific validation for its specific effects on the ovaries is limited. Historically, vitamin E was known as the "fertility vitamin" in early animal studies during the 1920s and 1930s, where its deficiency caused reproductive failure in rats. This led to a long-standing tradition of associating vitamin E with reproductive health and fertility, including ovarian support. In humans, vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects cells—including ovarian cells—from oxidative stress, which can theoretically contribute to healthier ovarian function. Some small studies and reviews suggest that vitamin E supplementation may improve endometrial thickness in women undergoing fertility treatments and could play a role in reducing oxidative damage associated with certain ovarian disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, clinical trials directly linking vitamin E supplementation to improved ovarian function or fertility outcomes in healthy women are limited and results are mixed. Major health organizations do not specifically recommend vitamin E for ovarian support due to the lack of strong evidence. Overall, while vitamin E remains popular in traditional and complementary approaches for ovarian and reproductive health, scientific support for its efficacy in this context is weak.

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