Antioxidants may not improve women's chances of becoming pregnant

While struggling with infertility can be emotionally difficult for couples, causing them to try many options, Clomid users and their partners should know that the authors of a new study have concluded that antioxidants do not increase a woman's likelihood of conceiving.

A new review from the University of Auckland that was published in the August 2013 edition of The Cochrane Library analyzed 28 previous trials that included 3,548 women who were seeking fertility treatments. The women were treated with various antioxidants. Overall, the study's authors found that women treated with antioxidants were no more likely to become pregnant than females treated with standard supplements like folic acid or given a placebo.

However, according to lead researcher Marian Showell, the previous studies are of low quality, so though there's no substantial evidence that antioxidants improve women's chances of becoming pregnant, there is also no pressing evidence that they do not improve fertility rates, so more research must be done.

Antioxidants and male infertility
In a January 2011 study published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Showell found some evidence that antioxidant supplements can improve male infertility. This study looked at 34 trials consisting of 2,876 couples seeking fertility treatment through assistive reproductive technology. Showell's review showed that treating males who are subfertile with antioxidants did increase pregnancy rates. Additionally, there were no negative side effects of antioxidant treatment. However, she concluded that additional research is necessary to determine which antioxidants are most beneficial.

Health benefits of antioxidants
It would not be surprising to both lay people and researchers that antioxidants could improve fertility because they have been shown to benefit the body in myriad other ways. Antioxidants are natural substances found in fruit, vegetables, fish and other foods. They might protect the cells against free radicals, which damage the body and possibly play a role in several diseases. Some common antioxidants include selenium, lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene and vitamins A, C and E. Some foods that are high in antioxidants include carrots, leafy green vegetables, legumes, whole grains, berries and tea.

More high-quality studies will help determine if antioxidants can improve fertility in women. Many couples choose to try medication that has been proven to boost fertility. Women who use Clomid can purchase it at cheaper rates from a Canadian online pharmacy.