Evidence-Based Fertility Supplements: Nutrients for Egg Quality to support natural fertility in Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) or premature ovarian failure (POF)

 

Who this article is for?

 

Women diagnosed with POI and trying to conceive

 

What is Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)?

 

 POI is a condition in which the ovaries lose normal function before the age of 40.

It is characterised by:

·       Irregular or absent ovulation (amenorrhea or oligomenorrhea)

·       Reduced oestrogen production

·       High follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels

·       Reduced fertility

Unlike menopause, POI does not always involve complete ovarian failure. Ovarian function can be intermittent and unpredictable, meaning spontaneous ovulation and pregnancy may still occur in some cases.

 

A diagnosis of POI can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re trying to conceive. While treatment options are limited, emerging research suggests that targeted nutrition and lifestyle strategies may help support ovarian function and egg quality.

 

Common symptoms of POI

·       Missed or irregular periods

·       Hot flushes / night sweats

·       Vaginal dryness

·       Low libido

·       Mood changes

These symptoms are similar to menopause—but POI occurs at a much younger age.

 

POI vs Menopause: Key Difference

While symptoms may be similar, POI is not the same as menopause.

·       Menopause = permanent cessation of ovarian function

·       POI = fluctuating ovarian activity (possible intermittent ovulation)

 

 

POI does not always mean zero fertility.

·       About 5–10% of women with POI may still conceive naturally

·       This is because ovarian function can be intermittent and unpredictable

 

Why POI matters beyond fertility

Oestrogen is important for overall health, so POI can affect:

·       Bone density, in POI there is an increased risk of osteoporosis

·       Heart health

·       Brain and cognitive function

 

 

What are the causes of POI?

1. Genetic factors

·       e.g. abnormalities in the X chromosome (like Turner syndrome)

·       Fragile X premutation

2. Autoimmune conditions

·       The immune system may attack ovarian tissue

3. Medical treatments

·       Chemotherapy and/or radiation

4. Other factors

·       Infections (rare)

·       Environmental exposures (less clear evidence)

 

 

How is POI treated or managed?

POI Management usually focuses on both symptoms and long-term health:

·       Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) → replaces oestrogen

·       Fertility options (if desired):

o   Natural attempts (if intermittent ovulation occurs)

o   IVF with donor eggs (most effective option currently)

Lifestyle Habits That Can Improve Fertility

·       Healthy body weight

·       Regular exercise

·       Avoid smoking

·       Good sleep – especially in complete darkness

·       Stress management

·       Reduce endocrine disruptors

·       Balanced diet (Mediterranean-style diet)

·       Some specific nutrients and supplements

There are very few high-quality human trials specifically in POI. However, the nutrients which have been shown in human research studies in women to impact POI are listed below

 

In addition, see other relevant specific blogs regarding Anti-Müllerian Hormone and Diminished ovarian reserve

·      Read our guide on Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

·      Read our guide on Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR)

Best supplements for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)

Emerging human research suggests that specific nutrients can influence

1.     Oxidative stress,

2.     Mitochondrial dysfunction,

3.     Fertility difficulties

 

Research in POI is still emerging. While some nutrients have been studied in humans, much of the evidence comes from animal or laboratory studies. These findings are promising—but not definitive. POI has been linked with:

1.     Oxidative stress

2.     Mitochondrial dysfunction

 

Oxidative stress and primary ovarian insufficiency

 

Oxidative stress is likely one of the key mechanistic links between nutrition and POI. Research consistently shows that oxidative stress is elevated in women with POI and may accelerate ovarian ageing. Antioxidants may help counter this process and protect remaining ovarian follicles.

 

Important antioxidants regarding fertility, ovarian health and overall health include alpha lipoic acid, NAC, green tea catechins and CoQ10:

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Laboratory and animal studies in POI suggest ALA may:

·      Reduce ovarian damage

·      Improve hormone balance

·      Reduce oxidative stress

 

Coenzyme Q10  (CoQ10)

See Mitochondrial dysfunction (section below)

 

Green tea catechins

Laboratory and animal studies in POI suggest green tea catechins  may:

 

·      regulate multiple signalling pathways and several biological processes

·      down-regulate elevated oxidative stress

·      represent a potential novel treatment for POI.

 

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)

Laboratory and animal studies in POI suggest NAC may:

·       Reduce oxidative stress in ovarian tissue

·       Preserve follicle viability

·       Protect against chemotherapy- and radiation-induced ovarian damage

 

 

 

Mitochondrial dysfunction and primary ovarian insufficiency

As well as being anti-oxidant, CoQ10 has a key role in human mitochondria.

A 2023 study in the journal ‘Reproductive Science’ reported that higher blood levels of CoQ10 were associated with less risk of POI and the researchers wrote: ‘antioxidant deficiency may be a risk associated with the development of POI. CoQ10 may be a protective factor for ovarian tissue’.

 

Another study from 2023 completed detailed analysis on blood samples from  women with POI This analysis showed that CoQ10 was down-regulated in POI and revealed an elevation in oxidative stress markers and a reduction in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, CoQ10, and mitochondrial enzyme complexes in POI.

 

POI and other nutrients, supplements

Vitamin B9 – folate and primary ovarian insufficiency

In a 2016 study, women with POI have been shown to have higher homocysteine levels, which may negatively impact fertility. Although MTHFR polymorphisms were not associated with POI development, these polymorphisms did affect homocysteine levels in women with POI. High homocysteine levels have been linked to infertility but also to POI.

A 2019 case report in a lady with POI after non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and who had suffered repeat pregnancy losses was treated with methylfolate + vitamin B12 and went on to deliver a healthy baby boy

 

Vitamin D and primary ovarian insufficiency

In a 2013 study from Turkey, every single woman with POI was vitamin D deficient

In a 2013 study of 65 women – 35 with POI and 28 without POI, women with POI had significantly lower vitamin D levels when compared with women without POI.

A 2025 research review of 12 studies in women with POI reported that low vitamin D levels were common and may affect POI. Supplementation can increase  AMH levels while simultaneously reducing FSH hormone. 

A 2023 review suggested that vitamin D could improve POI by affecting the immune system

 

Vitamin E, selenium and primary ovarian insufficiency

Both Vitamin E and selenium are powerful antioxidants which combat excess oxidative stress. We have already mentioned that POI is linked to excess oxidative stress. Therefore, it makes sense that antioxidant could improve POI.

As of writing (March 2026), there is only one human intervention study regarding nutrients and POI. Researcher’s in Iran provided supplementation with 200mcg selenium and 400IU vitamin E for 90 days and reported increases in

·      Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) suggesting increased ovarian reserve  or increased egg supply

·      Antral Follicle Count (AFC) suggesting increased ovarian reserve  or increased egg supply

·      mean ovarian volume – POI can cause ovary shrinkage so an increased in ovary size suggest benefit

with no side effects

 

Zinc and primary ovarian insufficiency

In a 2013 study of 65 women – 35 with POI and 28 without POI, women with POI had significantly lower zinc levels when compared with women without POI.

 

Based on current evidence, the following 8 nutrients are the most promising for supporting ovarian health in POI, although high-quality human trials are still limited:

 

Best supplements for POI

Nutrient for POI	Key role	Evidence type
1.     Coenzyme Q10	Mitochondrial function, egg quality	Human - observational
2.     NAC	Reduces oxidative stress	Animal + Lab
3.     ALA	Antioxidant, hormone support	Animal + Lab
4.     Vitamin D	Hormonal + immune support	Human - observational   Animal + Lab
5.     Selenium + vitamin E	Improved ovarian reserve markers	Human – interventional Human -observational Animal + Lab
6.     Vitamin B9 (methylfolate)	Homocysteine regulation	Human – interventional Human - Observational Animal + Lab
7.     Zinc	Deficiency linked to POI	Human - observational
8.     Green tea catechins	Antioxidant	Animal + Lab

These 8 nutrients are supported by emerging research in POI and related fertility conditions, although high-quality human trials remain limited.

While these nutrients show promise individually, applying this research in practice can be challenging. Many require specific doses, combinations, and consistent use over several months—often meaning multiple separate supplements.

 

To simplify this, Dr. Conor Kerley formulated Fertility Phix to combine:

• Mitochondrial nutrients
• Antioxidants
• Hormone-supportive B vitamins
• Egg quality nutrients

In one structured simple daily protocol – a sachet

Importantly, no supplement has been proven to treat or reverse POI—but targeted nutrition may support overall reproductive health.

Together, these 8 nutrients target key biological processes involved in POI, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and hormone regulation.

Fertility Phix is an all in one fertility supplement and was formulated to provide these research-backed nutrients in clinically relevant doses, alongside additional compounds that support egg quality, hormone balance, oxidative stress reduction and mitochondrial function - all in one convenient supplement.

 

If you have primary ovarian insufficiency and are trying to conceive, 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.

 

While POI presents real challenges, it does not eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. With the right combination of medical care, lifestyle strategies, and targeted nutritional support, some women may still conceive naturally. The key is taking a structured, evidence-informed approach.

 

Who is Fertility Phix suitable for?

Women preparing for pregnancy who want comprehensive, research-informed nutritional support.

When to start Fertility Phix?

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 - this is why we offer a 3 month bundle.

 

Key Takeaways

·       POI is an early loss of ovarian function, but not always complete

·       Natural conception is still possible (5–10% of cases)

·       Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction may play key roles

·       Certain nutrients (e.g. CoQ10, vitamin D, antioxidants) show promise

·       Evidence in humans is still limited — more research is needed

·       A combined, structured supplement approach may be more practical than individual nutrients

 

Frequently asked questions

Can you get pregnant naturally with POI?
Yes—around 5–10% of women may conceive due to intermittent ovulation.

Can POI be reversed naturally?

POI cannot be reversed currently, but some lifestyle measures may support ovarian function and overall health in POI.

What is the best supplement for POI?

 

 

There is no single “best” supplement. However, nutrients such as alpha lipoic acid, NAC, CoQ10, Green tea catechins as well as vitamin B9 (methylfolate), vitamin D, vitamin E and minerals selenium and zinc show the most promise based on current research. A combined approach is likely more effective than individual nutrients.

 

Fertility Phix was designed to include these nutrients in a single, structured formulation.

Can supplements reverse POI?
No supplement has been proven to reverse POI, but some supplements may support ovarian function.

How long should you take supplements before trying to conceive?
At least 3 months, due to the egg maturation cycle.

 

Note, fertility issues are NOT female only. About half of fertility issues can be related to the male partner. If you are a lady 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 HA, other common conditions contributing to fertility issues in women, include:

Advanced age 

Antiphospholipid syndrome

Endometriosis

Fibroids

Lupus

PCOS

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.