Getting Pregnant at 40: The Key Supplements Update
When it comes to fertility, a common concern is a decline in a woman’s ability to get pregnant at 40. This is not only due to a reduction in the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries but also a significant decrease in egg quality. The likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities, known as aneuploidy, also increases with age.
In women under 35, the rate of aneuploidy in oocytes (egg cells) is around 10%, but by age 43, it rises to 50%, making conception more difficult and increasing the need for fertility treatments.
While fertility treatments can assist, optimising fertility naturally through diet and supplements is increasingly becoming part of fertility planning, especially for women in their 40s.
This blog post discusses three vital nutritional supplements that may help support egg health and improve pregnancy success rates.
1. CoQ10: The Antioxidant When Trying to Get Pregnant at 40
CoQ10, or coenzyme Q10, is a vital antioxidant that supports cellular energy production, particularly in the mitochondria, which are abundant in oocytes. For women over 40, CoQ10 becomes especially important because the body’s natural production declines with age, leading to reduced mitochondrial function and lower egg quality. This decline makes CoQ10 an essential supplement for women trying to conceive at 40.
Supplementing with CoQ10 may help counteract this age-related decline, potentially improving fertility outcomes. A recent meta-analysis of five randomised controlled trials found that oral CoQ10 supplementation significantly boosted clinical pregnancy rates (28.8% vs. 14.1%) in women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), particularly those with a poor ovarian response or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Another study also highlights that CoqQ10 can be administered orally to enhance oocyte development in vivo or added to culture media to improve quality in vitro. While these findings are promising, more research, including clinical trials and molecular studies, is needed to fully confirm CoQ10’s effectiveness in improving egg quality and mitochondrial function in human gametes.
Before starting the CoQ10 supplement, it’s crucial to consult with a fertility dietitian. Read our previous blog to learn more about including more fertility-enhancing foods in your diet.
2. Melatonin: Beyond Sleep Regulation to Boost Fertility at 40
Melatonin, a hormone most commonly associated with sleep regulation, is also crucial in reproductive health. It acts as a powerful antioxidant and protects oocytes and their surrounding cells from oxidative stress, which becomes more prevalent as we age.
A meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials examined the effects of melatonin treatment on ART outcomes. The results showed that melatonin significantly increased the clinical pregnancy rate but did not significantly impact the live birth rate.
Additionally, melatonin treatment improved the number of oocytes collected, matured oocytes, and high-quality embryos. Melatonin also significantly increased the biochemical pregnancy rate without significantly affecting miscarriage rates.
If you’re thinking about taking a melatonin supplement, please consult your fertility dietitian first to determine the appropriate dosage for your fertility plan.
3. NAD+: Supporting Cellular Health and Fertility in Your 40s
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is gaining popularity as a potent anti-aging and fertility-supporting supplement. NAD+ is a crucial coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a significant role in energy metabolism by facilitating the transfer of electrons in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells. Thus, it drives the production of ATP, the cell’s primary energy source. These are critical factors for women trying to get pregnant at 40. As NAD+ levels decline with age, they may contribute to reduced oocyte viability and overall fertility.
While human clinical trials are still emerging, animal studies show promising results. Oocytes derived from animals could be an intriguing model for studying how NAD+ contributes to delaying, preventing, or reversing aging hallmarks. For example, NAD+ precursors like NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) have been shown to rejuvenate egg quality and restore fertility in animal trials.
If you’re over 40 and exploring ways to boost fertility, consult your fertility dietitian about incorporating NAD+ supplements into your egg-quality supplement plan.
Bottom Line
- CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function and may help improve egg quality and increase clinical pregnancy rates, especially for women getting pregnant at 40.
- Melatonin protects eggs from oxidative stress and may improve oocyte quality and pregnancy rates, though its impact on live birth rates is still unclear.
- NAD+ supports energy metabolism and may rejuvenate egg quality. Early animal studies are promising, but more human research is needed.
