Evidence-Based Fertility Supplements: Nutrients for Egg Quality, inflammation and vascular health to support natural fertility and getting pregnant in women with Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Written by fertility nutrition expert, Dr. Conor Kerley
Dr. Conor Kerley is a multi-award winning nutrition researcher, leading clinician as well as a member of the European Fertility Society and European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is one of the most important autoimmune causes of recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy complications.
While medical treatment such as anticoagulants is essential, research suggests that several nutrients may help support vascular health, mitochondrial function and inflammation balance in women with APS.
In this article we review the science on vitamins and supplements that may support fertility and pregnancy outcomes in women with antiphospholipid syndrome.
What is Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that make the blood more likely to clot than normal. These clots can form in arteries or veins and may affect many organs.
People with APS produce antiphospholipid antibodies that interfere with normal blood-clotting processes. Instead of protecting the body, these antibodies increase the risk of:
· Blood clots in veins (like deep vein thrombosis)
· Blood clots in arteries (which can lead to stroke or heart attack)
· Pregnancy complications
How APS affects fertility and pregnancy
APS can affect fertility and pregnancy through several mechanisms:
• Increased blood clotting in placental vessels
• Reduced blood flow to the developing placenta
• Increased inflammation and immune activation
• Impaired implantation
These changes may increase the risk of:
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Implantation failure
• Pre-eclampsia
• Placental insufficiency
How is Antiphospholipid Syndrome diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose APS with:
· Blood tests to detect antiphospholipid antibodies
· Evidence of blood clots or pregnancy complications
Typically the antibody test must be positive twice at least 12 weeks apart.
Treatment of Antiphospholipid Syndrome
APS has no cure, but it is manageable.
Common treatments include:
· Blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as
o Warfarin
o Heparin
· Low-dose Aspirin
· During pregnancy: heparin + low-dose aspirin
Treatment usually aims to prevent new clots rather than remove existing antibodies.
Note, lack of movement, pregnancy, and smoking can increase clot risk in people with APS.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome Prognosis (long term outlook):
With proper treatment and monitoring, many people with APS live long, normal lives, though long-term anticoagulation is often required.
Can supplements improve fertility in Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Some nutrients have been shown to improve outcomes in human research studies in women with Antiphospholipid Syndrome.
Major issues in APS which can be influenced by nutrition and supplements include:
• Mitochondrial dysfunction
• Oxidative stress
• Prothrombotic state (increased tendency for blood clots)
• proinflammatory immune activity
Evidence-Based Supplements for Antiphospholipid Syndrome Fertility
· Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production and antioxidant protection. Research suggests CoQ10 may improve several biological processes involved in APS.
In a 2012 test tube study, researchers in Spain treated cells from people with coenzyme Q10 and reported a decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation and mitochondrial function. Then a 2017 research trial reported that just one month of coenzyme Q10 supplementation to people with APS:
· improved blood vessel function
· reduced clotting factors
· reduced inflammation
· improved mitochondrial function
· re-balanced immune function
· Vitamin C & E
Antioxidant nutrients may help reduce oxidative stress associated with APS.
Two separate studies from 2003 and 2020 reported benefits of vitamin C and vitamin E supplementation improved oxidative stress markers in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies.
Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to:
• Vascular damage
• Immune dysregulation
• Placental dysfunction
Supporting antioxidant defenses may therefore be beneficial.
· Vitamin D
There are 12 studies regarding vitamin D and APS reporting that vitamin D deficiency is very common in antiphospholipid syndrome and is associated with
• Increased disease activity
• Higher clotting risk
• Increased inflammatory markers
One medical researcher recommending that ‘vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency should be corrected in all antiphospholipid antibody positive patients’.
Optimising vitamin D levels may therefore be an important step for women with APS planning pregnancy.
· Omega 3
Omega-3 fatty acids may support fertility in APS through their anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects.
Early research from 1993 reported that with omega 3 supplementation, 22 women with APS had 19 health babies. The researchers wrote: These encouraging results favour a therapeutic role, without any adverse reaction, of omega 3 to prevent recurrent miscarriage in persistent antiphospholipid syndrome.
More recent from 2005 reported that omega 3 was as effective as aspirin resulting in greater than 70% birth rates.
A 2018 study published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology reported that 16 weeks of omega 3 supplementation led to
· improved blood vessel function
· reduced inflammation (TNF-a)
The research wrote: ‘these results support a role of omega 3 supplementation as an in APS’.
Final thoughts
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an important cause of recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy complications. While medical treatment such as anticoagulants remains the cornerstone of care, emerging research suggests that targeted nutritional support may help improve vascular function, reduce inflammation and support mitochondrial health.
Key nutrients that may support fertility in women with APS include:
• Coenzyme Q10
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Vitamin D
• Antioxidants such as vitamin C and E
However, supplements should always be used alongside medical care and under professional guidance, particularly in women taking anticoagulant medications.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fertility with Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Can you get pregnant naturally with Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
Yes. Many women with Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) are able to conceive naturally and have successful pregnancies. However, APS is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and placental problems.
With appropriate medical care — often including low-dose aspirin and/or anticoagulant medications during pregnancy — many women with APS go on to have healthy pregnancies.
Working with a fertility specialist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist is important when planning pregnancy with APS.
Does Antiphospholipid Syndrome cause infertility?
APS does not usually prevent conception itself. However, it is strongly associated with recurrent pregnancy loss and implantation failure.
The condition can affect pregnancy by:
• Increasing blood clotting in placental blood vessels
• Increasing inflammation in the uterine environment
• Affecting placental development and function
These factors may interfere with early pregnancy development.
What is the miscarriage risk with Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
Before effective treatments were widely used, miscarriage rates in women with APS were very high.
Today, with appropriate treatment such as low-dose aspirin and heparin, successful pregnancy rates often exceed 70–80% in many clinical studies.
Early diagnosis and specialist care significantly improve pregnancy outcomes.
How is Antiphospholipid Syndrome treated during pregnancy?
Treatment usually focuses on reducing blood clot risk and supporting placental blood flow.
Common treatments during pregnancy include:
• Low-dose aspirin
• Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH)
• Close monitoring by obstetric specialists
These treatments help reduce clotting risk and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Can supplements help fertility in women with Antiphospholipid Syndrome?
Some research suggests that certain nutrients may support biological processes involved in APS, including inflammation, oxidative stress and blood vessel function.
Nutrients that have been investigated in research studies include:
• Coenzyme Q10 – supports mitochondrial function and vascular health
• Omega-3 fatty acids – may support anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic pathways
• Vitamin D – deficiency is common in APS and may influence immune function
• Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E
While these nutrients may support overall reproductive health, they should not replace medical treatment and should only be used with guidance from a healthcare professional.
Should women with APS take supplements before trying to conceive?
If supplements are used, they are generally most effective when started at least 3 months before conception.
This is because egg development takes approximately 90–120 days, meaning the nutritional environment during this time may influence egg quality and early embryo development.
Women with APS should always discuss supplement use with their doctor, particularly if taking anticoagulant medications.
Does APS affect IVF success?
APS may affect implantation and early pregnancy outcomes during assisted reproduction such as IVF.
However, with appropriate medical management — including anticoagulant therapy when indicated — many women with APS achieve successful pregnancies through IVF.
Fertility specialists may recommend additional monitoring and treatment protocols for women with antiphospholipid antibodies undergoing assisted reproduction.
Should male fertility also be assessed?
Yes. Male fertility plays an important role in a couple’s ability to conceive.
Even when a female partner has APS, it is important that the male partner also:
• Has a fertility evaluation
• Follows a fertility-supportive lifestyle
• Optimises sperm health
Addressing both partners’ fertility can significantly improve the chances of conception.
Male fertility also plays an important role
If you are a woman trying to conceive, ensure your male partner has also had a fertility evaluation, is following a fertility friendly lifestyle and check our these blogs:
Nutrients for Male Fertility, Sperm Quality and sperm count - The Science
Nutrients for Male Fertility, Sperm Quality and sperm motility - The Science
Nutrients for Male Fertility, Sperm Quality and sperm morphology - The Science
Nutrients for Male Fertility, Sperm Quality and sperm DNA fragmentation - The Science
Nutrients for Male Fertility, Sperm Quality and varicocele - The Science
In addition to advanced age, other common conditions contributing to fertility issues in women, include:
Assisted reproduction i.e. IVF, ICSI, IUI
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)
Endometriosis
Egg quality
Fibroids
Hypothalamic amenorrhea
Low AMH
Lupus
Overweight & obesity
PCOS
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Thyroid issues, especially Hashimoto's or autoimmune thyroiditis
Miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss
Please note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
· Not all supplements are appropriate for everyone. Always consult your GP or fertility specialist before starting supplements, particularly if undergoing assisted reproductive treatment.
· Timing matters – lifestyle changes, including supplements are recommended for at least 3 months before conception. This is because a woman’s eggs take approximately 3 to 4 months (roughly 90-120 days) to mature before ovulation, in a process known as folliculogenesis.
· Dosing matters – scientific research has reported benefits of certain doses. It is important to seek out and consume these doses to get the same benefits.
