Improve Your Egg Quality: Tips for a Successful Pregnancy

Key Points at a Glance

• Mitochondria play a key role in providing energy for egg maturation.
• Ubiquinol can support mitochondrial function.
• Antioxidants like alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, and NAC reduce oxidative stress and improve embryo implantation.
• Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) help maintain egg quality, especially in advanced reproductive age.
• Eggs can be successfully frozen and thawed without a significant decrease in fertilization rates.

What Makes a Healthy Egg?

A healthy egg has a complete set of chromosomes (a euploid cell), which is essential for its normal function and development. It should be capable of being fertilized, developing into a high-quality embryo, and successfully implanting in the uterus.

How Is Egg Quality Assessed?

Unlike embryos, there is no direct method to assess the quality of eggs. In IVF treatments, the shape of the egg can be examined under a microscope, but this does not reveal genetic abnormalities.

The best method for evaluation is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) of embryos, where the quality of sperm also plays a role.

How Does an Egg Develop?

Eggs mature in the ovaries within the follicles. This maturation process requires a lot of energy, which is provided by the mitochondria. As we age, both eggs and mitochondria can accumulate errors in their DNA (mitochondrial dysfunction), leading to energy problems and faulty cell division. This can affect the chromosome count in the egg and increase the risk of genetic disorders in the embryo. Mutations can occur due to aging or naturally, but they can also be influenced by lifestyle factors.

What Influences Egg Quality?

The often age-related decline in egg quality is likely associated with decreased mitochondrial function in the eggs and increased oxidative stress within the cell (Rodríguez-Varela et al, 2021).

How Can I Improve Egg Quality?

Mitochondria play a crucial role in the maturation of eggs. Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of these mitochondria and supports their function. Adequate levels of Coenzyme Q10 can help improve energy production in mitochondria, especially when natural levels decline due to aging or stress. Additionally, Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage.

Studies have shown that the concentration of Coenzyme Q10 in follicular fluid decreases with age. Low levels of Coenzyme Q10 may be associated with chromosomal abnormalities in eggs. A 2018 study indicated that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation improves ovarian response to stimulation and can enhance embryo quality in women under 35 years with low ovarian reserve (Xu et al., 2018).

It is crucial to use the bioavailable form of Coenzyme Q10 known as Ubiquinol. Ubiquinol is more effective than Ubiquinone in energy production as it directly participates in the electron transport chain in mitochondria. This form of Coenzyme Q10 is biologically active and can immediately provide energy. In contrast, Ubiquinone must first be converted into Ubiquinol before it can fulfill its function (Langsjoen et al, 2014). 

Folic Acid for More Mature Eggs

Folic acid plays a crucial role in cell division and development, making it an essential nutrient for egg maturation and a healthy pregnancy. Adequate folic acid levels before and during pregnancy help prevent neural tube defects in the embryo and support the healthy development of the placenta. A study found that women who took folic acid supplements had better egg quality and more mature eggs than women who did not receive folic acid (Gaskins et al., 2018).

Zinc for DNA Synthesis

Zinc is an essential trace element involved in many enzymatic reactions in the body, including DNA synthesis and cell division. It plays a crucial role in egg maturation and ovulation. Zinc deficiency can lead to reduced egg quality and an increased risk of miscarriage. Studies suggest that adequate zinc intake is essential for egg maturation and its ability to be fertilized. Zinc deficiency, whether due to diet or chelation, can impair egg maturation and reduce its quality (Garner et al., 2021).

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Healthy Embryonal Development

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid), are important components of cell membranes and play a role in regulating inflammation and hormones. They are vital for egg maturation, embryo implantation, and healthy fetal development. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can protect egg quality from age-related decline, thus increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy and healthy children for women of advanced reproductive age (Nehra et al., 2017).

Vitamin D Reduces the Risk of Miscarriage

Vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone metabolism, but it also affects female fertility. Adequate vitamin D levels during egg maturation in follicular fluid promote the development of high-quality embryos and increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and birth. Conversely, low vitamin D levels in the blood can increase the risk of miscarriage (Ciepiela et al., 2018).

Antioxidants and Micronutrients for Cellular Health

Cell division, especially in eggs, is a complex process influenced by many factors, including oxidative stress. Antioxidants such as Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Selenium, and NAC can help reduce oxidative stress and thus minimize cellular damage.

Antioxidants can also increase the thickness of the uterine lining, which is crucial for the successful implantation of the embryo. For women with conditions like PCOS or endometriosis, antioxidants have improved the course of the disease (Vaskova et al, 2023).