Skip to main content

Pre-Egg Retrieval Supplementation Guide

 To improve egg quality, ovarian response, and overall IVF success, it is recommended to take the following supplements at least 2–3 months before egg collection:


1. Vitamin D

  • Dosage: 2000–5000 IU daily
  • Best Form: Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol)
  • Why? Supports egg maturation, embryo quality, and implantation.
  • Food Sources: Sunlight, salmon, egg yolk, fortified dairy.

2. Vitamin B12

  • Dosage: 1000 mcg daily (Methylcobalamin form preferred)
  • Why? Supports egg development and reduces chromosomal abnormalities.
  • Food Sources: Meat, fish, dairy, eggs.

3. Folate (Vitamin B9)

  • Dosage: 400–800 mcg daily (as Methylfolate, NOT Folic Acid for better absorption)
  • Why? Improves egg quality and prevents birth defects.
  • Food Sources: Leafy greens, beans, citrus fruits.

4. Iron (Ferritin Levels Below 50 ng/mL)

  • Dosage: 30–60 mg daily (if deficient)
  • Best Form: Ferrous Bisglycinate (gentle on stomach)
  • Why? Improves oxygen supply to eggs and prevents implantation issues.
  • Food Sources: Red meat, spinach, lentils.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA & EPA)

  • Dosage: 2000 mg daily (combined DHA + EPA)
  • Best Form: Fish oil or Algal DHA (for vegetarians)
  • Why? Reduces inflammation, improves egg quality, and balances hormones.
  • Food Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, walnuts.

6. Zinc

  • Dosage: 30 mg daily
  • Best Form: Zinc Picolinate
  • Why? Improves egg maturation and fertilization rate.
  • Food Sources: Nuts, seeds, meat, whole grains.

7. Magnesium

  • Dosage: 300–400 mg daily
  • Best Form: Magnesium Glycinate (better absorption, less digestive issues)
  • Why? Reduces stress, improves hormone balance, and prevents egg deterioration.
  • Food Sources: Nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, whole grains.

8. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) [Highly Recommended for Egg Quality]

  • Dosage: 200–300 mg daily (Ubiquinol form is better than Ubiquinone).
  • Why? Boosts mitochondrial function, improves egg quality, and increases fertilization success.
  • Food Sources: Meat, fish, nuts (but levels in food are low).

9. Myo-Inositol (For PCOS or Poor Ovarian Response)

  • Dosage: 2000–4000 mg daily
  • Why? Improves egg maturation and insulin sensitivity (especially for PCOS patients).
  • Food Sources: Nuts, whole grains, fruits.

10. L-Arginine (For Poor Endometrial Blood Flow or Thin Lining)

  • Dosage: 1000–3000 mg daily
  • Why? Improves blood flow to ovaries and uterus.
  • Food Sources: Nuts, seeds, poultry.

Summary of Key Supplements

SupplementDosageWhy It's Important
Vitamin D32000–5000 IUImproves implantation, egg quality
Vitamin B121000 mcgPrevents egg defects, improves energy
Folate (Methylfolate)400–800 mcgPrevents birth defects, supports DNA synthesis
Iron30–60 mgSupports oxygen supply to eggs
Omega-3 (DHA + EPA)2000 mgReduces inflammation, improves hormone balance
Zinc30 mgEnhances egg maturation, fertility
Magnesium300–400 mgReduces stress, improves implantation
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)200–300 mgEnhances egg quality and mitochondrial function
Myo-Inositol2000–4000 mgHelps with PCOS and insulin balance
L-Arginine1000–3000 mgImproves blood flow to uterus

When to Start These Supplements?

Start at least 2–3 months before egg retrieval (this is the egg maturation cycle).
✅ Continue until pregnancy is confirmed, then adjust based on doctor’s advice.


Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The supplements and recommendations mentioned here are based on general guidelines and may not be suitable for everyone. Individual needs may vary based on medical history, hormone levels, and underlying health conditions.

Always consult with a qualified fertility specialist, reproductive endocrinologist, or healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplement routine, or fertility treatment plan. The author and publisher are not responsible for any adverse effects resulting from the use of the information provided in this article.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What is the Optimal Progesterone Level a Day Before Embryo Transfer?

For a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) , the ideal serum progesterone level one day before embryo transfer depends on whether progesterone is given via injections, vaginal tablets, or both. πŸ“Œ Ideal Progesterone Levels (One Day Before Embryo Transfer) ✅ Above 10 ng/mL (30-40 nmol/L) if taking progesterone injections . ✅ Above 10-15 ng/mL (30-50 nmol/L) if using vaginal progesterone (Susten 400mg). ✅ Below 1.5 ng/mL (5 nmol/L) before starting progesterone – If progesterone was not started at the right time, high levels before transfer might indicate early exposure, which can affect implantation. 🚨 Why Is Progesterone Important? ✔ Supports endometrial receptivity – Ensures the lining is ready for implantation. ✔ Reduces uterine contractions – Prevents early embryo dislodgment. ✔ Prepares for pregnancy maintenance – Prevents early miscarriage risk. πŸ“Œ What If Progesterone Is Low Today? πŸ”Ή Below 10 ng/mL? – Doctor may increase progesterone injection dosage or add vagina...

How Long Does it Take for a Day 5 (Blastocyst) Embryo to Implant?

Implantation timing depends on the stage of the blastocyst at the time of transfer. Here’s a general guideline: Approximate Timeline for Blastocyst Implantation Blastocyst Stage at Transfer Implantation Timing Days Post Transfer (DPT) Day 5 Blastocyst (Expanded or Hatching) 24–48 hours 1–2 Days Post Transfer (DPT) Day 6 Blastocyst (Hatching/Expanded) 12–24 hours Same Day or 1 Day Post Transfer (DPT) Since your blastocyst was transferred at 12 PM , implantation typically occurs: ✅ Between 1–2 days post-transfer for a Day 5 blastocyst (approx. next day 12 PM to 48 hours later ). ✅ Within 12–24 hours for a Day 6 blastocyst (possibly even same evening or next morning ). Key Factors Affecting Implantation Timing Endometrial Receptivity (thickness, progesterone levels). Blastocyst Quality (grading, hatching status). Uterine Environment (blood flow, inflammation). Signs of Implantation (2-5 Days Post Transfer) πŸ”Ή Light spotting (implantation bleeding). πŸ”Ή Mild cram...

Hormone Levels to Check Before Embryo Transfer for Successful Implantation

Before an embryo transfer , several hormone levels should be checked to ensure the best chances of implantation and a successful pregnancy. The key hormones to assess include: 1. Estradiol (E2) - Estrogen Role: Ensures the endometrium is thick and receptive . Recommended range: Fresh cycle (after egg retrieval, before transfer): 2000–4000 pg/mL Frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycle (before progesterone starts): 200–350 pg/mL Low E2 (<150 pg/mL) may indicate poor endometrial development. Very high E2 (>5000 pg/mL) may indicate ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which can reduce implantation success. 2. Progesterone (P4) - Luteal Support Role: Ensures the endometrium is mature and ready for implantation. Recommended range: Before embryo transfer in FET cycles: <1.5 ng/mL before starting progesterone supplementation. During the luteal phase (post-transfer, on supplementation): Fresh cycle: >10 ng/mL (ideally 15–20 ng/mL ). Frozen cycle (on ...