May 7, 2004 -- The proprietary nutritional supplement "FertilityBlend" may improve female fertility, according to the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study published in the April issue of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine.
"FertilityBlend is a well-tolerated supplement that could be an attractive option for the optimization of reproductive health in some women," write Lynn M. Westphal, MD, from Stanford University School of Medicine in Stanford, California, and colleagues. "Good nutrition is a prerequisite of fertility and childbearing and may be particularly important for those deciding to become pregnant at an advanced age."
Thirty women aged 24 to 46 years who had been unable to conceive after trying for six to 36 months completed this pilot study. Fifteen women took FertilityBlend, which contains chasteberry and green tea extracts, L-arginine, folate and other vitamins, and minerals. No significant adverse effects were reported.
After three months, the supplement group had a nonsignificant increase in mean midluteal phase progesterone from 8.2 to 12.8 ng/mL ( P = .08), and a significant increase in the average number of days in the cycle with basal temperature higher than 37° C during the luteal phase (from 6.8 to 9.7 days; P = .04). These parameters remained unchanged in the placebo group.
Five of 15 women taking the supplement for five months became pregnant compared with none of 15 women in the placebo group ( P < .01).
"This pilot study is being expanded to a larger, multicenter study with the goal of evaluating at least 100 women, including those with low luteal phase progesterone or menstrual irregularities," the authors write. "Similarly, evaluation of a FertilityBlend formulated for men is in progress to determine its effect on sperm concentration and motility."
Daily Wellness Company supported this study and has financial arrangements with two of its authors. The Asian Cultural Teaching Foundation also helped support this study.
J Reprod Med. 2004;49:289-294
Reviewed by Gary D. Vogin, MD
Medscape Medical News © 2004 Medscape
Cite this: Laurie Barclay. Nutritional Supplement May Improve Female Fertility - Medscape - May 07, 2004.
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