The Science Behind Women’s Fertility Supplements

Nutraceuticals are gaining interest as a source of support for women’s fertility, with new trends and developments advancing the category. Addressing some of the multiple factors that can be barriers to fertility, such as genetics and hormones, supplements aim to fill nutritional gaps and optimize environments and processes for conception, such as supporting cellular health, counteracting oxidative stress, and providing hormonal balance. Some recent studies and supplements have expanded knowledge on mitochondrial health support, the importance of the vaginal microbiome, and the pairing of micronutrients. Here we provide an overview of key supplements and category updates.

Mitochondrial Health and Egg Quality

One place to begin fertility support is at the cellular level in support of gametes and, ultimately, egg quality. Because gametes and early embryos are highly energy-dependent and oxidative-stress-sensitive cells, a recently published review explored the link between mitochondria, oxidative stress, and fertility in both men and women.^1,2

The study noted that female oocytes rely significantly on mitochondria for energy, and therefore, the antioxidant ubiquinol, a reduced form of coenzyme Q10, plays an important role in enhancing mitochondrial energy production. The review also highlighted the ingredient’s protection of oocytes against the damaging effects of oxidative stress. Energy production and antioxidant support are critical functions for maintaining egg quality, sperm motility, oocyte competence, and early embryo development; all key factors that determine successful conception.

Advanced maternal age or genetic factors can affect the body’s ability to naturally produce enough ubiquinol to meet energy requirements, and past research has linked supplementation with this nutrient to increased pregnancy rates.

Folate, Genetics, and Fertility Outcomes

Folate (vitamin B₉) is a significant nutrient that influences various aspects of fertility. Folic acid, a form of folate, is required for the body to make new cells and has been shown to help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs), which occur in the first few weeks of pregnancy.³ To prevent NTDs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have established a recommended daily intake of folic acid for women who could become pregnant and during pregnancy. However, levels of folic acid in the body may also impact fertility, and low folic acid, along with abnormally high levels of homocysteine, have been shown to contribute to miscarriage.⁴ Additionally, supplementation with folic acid in women undergoing in vitro fertilization has been shown in research to increase the chances of becoming pregnant by supporting the homocysteine pathway in follicular fluid.⁵

Sufficient folate levels are also important for the quality, maturation, fertilization, and implantation of oocytes.⁵ While some women may not be consuming enough folate, others may be experiencing absorption issues that may negatively impact their ability to conceive. “Low folate status has been identified as a factor in infertility, often the result of the MTHFR [methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase] polymorphism,” explains Stefania Sala, senior product manager with Gnosis by Lesaffre, noting that the genetic condition is common in the global population, and can be identified through testing. Folate must be transformed through a complex process, driven by the MTHF enzyme, into 5-MTHF, though the polymorphism prevents the full absorption of folate.

Supplementation with an active form of folate may bypass the folate conversion that is impacted by the MTHFR polymorphism (GbL), as is the case with Gnosis by Lesaffre’s Quatrefolic ingredient, which is identical to the reduced and active form of folate in human bodies. One clinical trial studied the effect of supplementation with 800 μg of 5-MTHF in 33 couples experiencing recurrent fertility issues, and with at least 1 partner with MTHFR.⁶ After the treatment, the pregnancy rate among the couples increased significantly.

Synergistic Nutrient Stacking and Formulation Trends

While single ingredients may be beneficial and effective, multi-ingredient approaches may offer even better, more comprehensive support. One example is folate and selenium. Sala explains that the combination of its Quatrefolic active folate with a selenium-enriched yeast called Lynside Forte Se+ is intended specifically for male and female fertility. “This pairing works by combining highly bioavailable active folate, which bypasses the MTHFR genetic polymorphism, with organic selenium to help reduce homocysteine levels and offers antioxidant benefits necessary for embryo development and, specifically for men, improved spermatogenesis and sperm motility,” she explains. Homocysteine is essential in reproduction, influencing gamete quality and implantation, and it is central in folate metabolism.⁷ However, circulating levels of this amino acid can disrupt follicular growth and endometrial receptivity, increasing implantation failure risk.

Another ingredient that complements folate, according to Sala, is inositol, a mix of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol that has been clinically researched for managing symptoms of the hormonal disorder polycystic ovary syndrome, supporting metabolic health, and preconception conditions. “Specific to fertility, studies show that combining myo-inositol and vitamin B_9, especially highly bioavailable forms like Quatrefolic, regulates menstrual cycles and improves egg quality,” Sala explains. “Further, taking inositol with methylfolate is thought to be more effective than folate alone in supporting neural tube health and overall pregnancy outcomes.”

These nutrient pairings are examples of addressing the metabolic and hormonal pathways that optimize the conditions for conception.

Microbiome and Reproductive Tract Health

The role of vaginal microbiota is an important facet to examine as well. Vaginal microbiome health is an essential part of supporting overall reproductive health, explains Maider Gutierrez, women’s health lead with IFF Health Sciences. “A healthy vaginal microbiota, typically dominated by Lactobacillus species, plays a critical role in maintaining optimal vaginal pH and a balanced reproductive environment, which has been linked to improved reproductive outcomes, including successful fertilization,” she says. Gutierrez references a study explaining the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory products from Lactobacilli are part of a defense against pathogens, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.⁸

IFF’s HOWARU Feminine Health includes probiotics researched for their support of vaginal microbial balance, such as Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HN001 and Lactobacillus acidophilus La‑14. “By focusing on reproductive tract health across the reproductive years, we help brands move fertility beyond a ‘one‑moment focus’ to part of everyday reproductive well-being,” Gutierrez explains.

Personalization and Life-Stage Nutrition

Fertility is part of the larger journey throughout life stages including the reproductive years, preconception, pregnancy, and menopause. Since multiple transitions across stages and health occur, support can expand to encompass personalized health rather than a one-size-fits-all solution for a single stage of life.

“IFF Health Sciences approaches personalization through a life‑stage lens by helping to establish a healthy foundation in the gut, vaginal cavity, immune, and other systems that impact specific life stages rather than short‑term optimization,” Gutierrez explains.

Targeted supplements and intentional support can complement the shift from a singular focus, such as fertility, to overall foundational support of a women’s health in her lifetime. “Women’s nutritional and microbiome needs evolve significantly from the reproductive years through pregnancy and into menopause,” Gutierrez adds. “Our role is to translate this complexity into evidence‑based ingredient solutions that align with major physiological transitions, ensuring personalization remains scientifically grounded, relevant, and scalable.”

In a broader perspective, dietary supplements, particularly folate, can help ensure dietary needs are met throughout life stages, Sala adds. Quatrefolic may help reduce symptoms of menopause, for example, by reducing hot flash severity, helping regulate homocysteine metabolism, and supporting mental health. With research supporting the role of folate in improving women’s health, Sala says, there is an opportunity for personalized supplementation innovation.

Future Research Directions and Gaps

Although formulation science and research have increased, there are still gaps in women’s reproductive health that need to be addressed. While validated research has been done, more research is needed, and there is still more room to grow in our understanding of the connections between the microbiome and fertility, as well as mitochondrial targeted therapies.

Another opportunity, identified by IFF Health Sciences, is to shift the focus to integrated solutions by better reflecting the complexity of women’s physiology and lived experiences, rather than focusing solely on isolated health needs.

Conclusion

Fertility support requires multiple approaches and can be supported by several pillars, including cellular health support, microbiome balance, and personalized nutrition. As innovation continues, these advancements are shifting the focus to proactive and comprehensive support, with an eye toward empowering women in various stages of health and wellness.

References

1. Derbyshire EJ, Ostojic SM, Alahmar AT. Ubiquinol in fertility and reproduction: a conditionally essential nutrient for critical early-life stages. Nutrients. 2026;18(1):156. doi:10.3390/nu18010156
2. Saraceno N. Ubiquinol and fertility: new review highlights mitochondrial link to reproductive health. Nutritional Outlook. February 11, 2026. Accessed April 9, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/ubiquinol-fertility-new-review-highlights-mitochondrial-link--reproductive-health
3. About folic acid. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 20, 2025. Accessed April 9, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/about.html
4. Krawiec S. How diet and dietary supplements during preconception may impact fertility. Nutritional Outlook. December 16, 2025. Accessed April 9, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/how-diet-and-dietary-supplements-during-preconception-may-impact-fertility
5. Schaefer E, Nock D. The impact of preconceptional multiple-micronutrient supplementation on female fertility. Clin Med Insights Womens Health. 2019;12:1179562X19843868. doi:10.1177/1179562X19843868
6. Servy EJ, Jacquesson-Fournols L, Cohen M, Menezo YJR. MTHFR isoform carriers. 5-MTHF (5-methyl tetrahydrofolate) vs folic acid: a key to pregnancy outcome: a case series. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2018;35(8):1431-1435. doi:10.1007/s10815-018-1225-2
7. Revelli A, Nuzzo AM, Moretti L, et al. Effects of homocysteine circulating levels on human spontaneous fertility and in vitro fertilization outcomes: a literature review. Nutrients. 2025;17(20):3211. doi: 10.3390/nu17203211.
8. Amabebe E, Anumba DOC. The vaginal microenvironment: the physiologic role of Lactobacilli. Front. Med. 2018;5:181. doi:10.3389/fmed.2018.00181