Evidence-Based IVF, ICSI, IUI Fertility Supplements: Nutrients for egg quality, uterine thickness and increased success rates in Assisted Reproduction
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).
I have collected, reviewed and analyzed every single human study regarding nutrition, nutrients, supplements and fertility outcomes, including egg quality, uterine thickness and increased success rates in Assisted Reproduction.
What is Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Assisted reproductive technology (ART) refers to medical techniques used to help people conceive a baby when natural conception is difficult or not possible.
In simple terms, assisted reproduction involves helping sperm and egg come together, or supporting early embryo development, using medical procedures.
Common types of assisted reproduction
1. In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- The most well-known method
- Eggs are collected from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in a lab
- The resulting embryo is placed into the uterus
2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
- Sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation
- Helps sperm reach the egg more easily
3. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
- A single sperm is injected directly into an egg
- Often used when there is low sperm count or poor sperm movement
When it comes to IVF, ICSI, or IUI success, one factor stands above all others: egg quality.
While medical treatments drive the process, emerging research shows that targeted nutrition can meaningfully influence outcomes—from ovarian response to embryo development and implantation
In addition, good sperm quality is key too.
Exact ART protocols will differ depending on the doctor, the clinic and the people with the fertility issue. But in general, ART involves:
· Testing and assessment of male and female
· Ovarian stimulation. Some nutrients can
§ Improve Ovarian Response to Stimulation (Myo-inositol and Vitamin D)
§ Improve response to ovulation drugs and reduce the amount of medication needed (Myo-inositol, Q10, Vitamin D and Omega-3)
§ help support a more balanced response to ovarian stimulation and reduce physiological stress during treatment. These include myo-inositol, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), Coenzyme Q10, and carnitine.
· Egg retrieval and fertilisation. Nutrients which can improve fertilization rates include: Lipoic acid, Q10, Iodine, Myo-inositol, omega-3, Vitamin B9 as 5MTHF and Vitamin D
· Embryo development. Nutrients which can improve embryo quality include: Myo-inositol and omega-3, Q10, NAC, Vitamin B9 as methylfolate, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D
· Embryo transfer. Some nutrients can improve implantation rates by via increasing
· uterine blood flow
· uterine thickness (endometrial thickness)
· uterine receptivity (endometrial receptivity)
These nutrients include Arginine, omega-3, Vitamin D and Vitamin E, NAC
· Pregnancy test after about 2 weeks -the ‘2 week wait (2WW)’
Some research has reported the specific nutrients can even improve overall pregnancy rates in IVF, ICSI or IUI:
· Coenzyme Q10
· Myo-inositol
· NAC
· Omega-3
· Selenium
· Vitamin B9 as 5MTHF
· Vitamin D
Therefore, the best nutrients and supplements for IVF, ICSI or IUI are:
Mitochondrial & Egg Energy Support
· Coenzyme Q10
· Carnitine
· N-acetyl carnitine
· Alpha lipoic acid
2. Hormonal & Ovulatory Support
· Myo-inositol
· Vitamin D
· Iodine
3. Antioxidants & DNA Protection
· NAC
· Selenium
· Vitamin E
· Zinc
4. Methylation & Genetic Health
· Vitamin B9 (5-MTHF)
· Vitamin B12
5. Blood Flow & Uterine Support
· Arginine
· Omega-3
Importantly, these nutrients do not act in isolation—many work synergistically, which is why combination formulations may be more effective than single supplements.
Many fertility supplements contain small amounts of key nutrients or leave out important nutrients such as Coenzyme Q10, inositol, and alpha lipoic acid.
In addition, research shows that specific doses and forms of nutrients matter.
Research-backed doses matter. But combining these individual nutrients correctly can be complicated, requiring multiple supplements and careful dosing.
Fertility Phix was developed to simplify this process. Fertility Phix is an all in one fertility supplement and was formulated to provide:
· nutrients to support egg quality
· nutrients to support mitochondrial function for cellular energy
· antioxidants to help reduce oxidative stress
· nutrients that support hormonal balance
All included in research-backed doses and bioavailable forms.
If you are thinking of assisted reproduction or have previously had an unsuccessful assisted reproduction procedures, targeted nutritional support may be a valuable part of your strategy. Explore Fertility Phix here or contact us to discuss whether it is right for you.
Designed for the 90-Day Egg Development Window
Eggs take 90–120 days to mature, meaning nutritional support should ideally begin at least 3 months before egg retrieval.
Who is Fertility Phix suitable for?
Anybody on a fertility journey who wants to provide themselves with a comprehensive mix of research backed nutrients to support egg quality and overall fertility.
When to start Fertility Phix?
Lifestyle changes, including supplements are recommended for at least 3 months before egg retrieval. This is because a woman’s eggs take approximately 3 to 4 months (roughly 90-120 days) to mature.
This is why we offer a 3-month bundle to align with the full egg development cycle. With the 3-month bundle, you add 3 boxes of Fertility Phix sachets to your cart, you save 60 euro AND get free shipping anywhere in the world.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Kerley
Assisted reproduction is common and becoming more common. However, IVF and other assisted reproductive treatments can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding. Optimising your health beforehand isn’t just beneficial—it may significantly improve your chances of success while reducing the number of cycles required.
For individuals looking for comprehensive nutritional support during their fertility journey, Fertility Phix provides a research-informed combination of nutrients designed to support egg quality, mitochondrial function, and reproductive health.
Key Takeaways
• Egg quality is a major factor in fertility. Healthy eggs are more likely to fertilize successfully, develop into high-quality embryos, and result in a healthy pregnancy.
• Egg quality naturally declines with age, especially after age 35, largely due to increased chromosomal abnormalities and reduced mitochondrial function.
• Oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are key biological factors that can negatively affect egg health and reproductive outcomes.
• Certain nutrients have been studied in assisted reproduction for their potential to support egg quality, ovarian function, and embryo development.
While nutrition can support reproductive health, it cannot overcome all causes of infertility, particularly structural or severe genetic factors.
• Key nutrients linked to improve assisted reproduction outcomes include:
· Alpha Lipoic acid
· Arginine
· Carnitine
· Coenzyme Q10
· Iodine
· Myo-inositol
· N-acetyl carnitine
· NAC
· Omega-3
· Selenium
· Vitamin B9 as 5MTHF
· Vitamin D
· Vitamin E
· Zinc
Why and how specific Supplements May Improve IVF Outcomes
Emerging research suggests that targeted nutrients may support fertility by:
· Enhancing mitochondrial function (energy production in eggs)
· Reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage
· Supporting hormone balance and ovulation
· Improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
Frequently asked questions
· When should I start supplements before IVF?
Egg development takes approximately 90–120 days. For this reason, most experts, including myself (Dr. Kerley) recommend starting supplements at least 3 months before an IVF cycle.
· Can I take supplements alongside IVF medication?
In many cases, yes. However, you should always consult your fertility specialist, as individual protocols and medical history may influence suitability. A lot of fertility specialists recommend using specific supplements before and during IVF.
· Are all fertility supplements the same?
No – look for expertly formulated supplements that contain the correct nutrients in the correct dosages and the correct nutrient formats.
Fertility Is NOT a female only issue
Note, regardless of egg quality, fertility issues are NOT female only.
Approximately 40–50% of infertility cases involve male factors.
For this reason, both partners should be assessed and follow a fertility-supportive lifestyle.
If you are a woman trying to conceive, make sure your male partner has been tested, 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 egg quality , other common conditions contributing to fertility issues in women, include:
Advanced age
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Endometriosis
Fibroids
Hypothalamic amenorrhea
Lupus
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
Thyroid issues, especially Hashimoto's or autoimmune thyroiditis
Please note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice.
· 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.
