The inability to conceive despite regular and unprotected intercourse for one year is called infertility. Considering the causes of infertility, the problem is 35% female, 35% male, 20% both male and female. In 10% of couples, the cause of infertility cannot be found. Stating that there have been many studies examining the effect of vitamin E in the treatment of infertility in recent years, Prof. Dr. Deniz Ulaş emphasized that vitamin E increases the reproductive potential of both men and women. What is Vitamin E? What Does It Do? In Which Situations Does Vitamin E Deficiency Occur? The Effect of Vitamin E on Male Infertility. Effect of Vitamin E on Pregnancy. Foods Rich in Vitamin E
What is Vitamin E? What Does It Do?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble and essential vitamin found in many foods. Vitamin E has a strong antioxidant effect. With this effect, it protects cells from harmful free radicals. We know that Vitamin E has positive effects on the brain, skin and blood. However, we have only just begun to learn about its effects on reproduction.
In Which Situations Does Vitamin E Deficiency Occur?
Vitamin E is found at normal levels in those who eat healthy and do not have any disease. However, vitamin E deficiency may occur in those who do not eat well or have certain diseases. Vitamin E deficiency can be seen in the body in the following cases;
-Genetic
-Cystic fibrosis
-Chronic pancreatitis
-Celiac disease
-cholestatic liver disease
Effect of Vitamin E on Male Infertility
Although infertility is perceived as a problem for women only, this problem affects men and women equally. In 35% of infertile couples, the problem is only in the man. All factors affecting sperm count and quality cause male infertility. These factors may be genetically from birth or may be due to external factors later on. prof. Dr. Deniz Ulaş listed the effects of vitamin E on male infertility as follows;
● Increases sperm count. One of the most important reasons for the decrease in sperm count is infection and trauma. Vitamin E acts as a barrier on the sperm, prevents the sperm from being affected by harmful external factors and increases the number of sperm to fertilize the egg.
● Increases sperm motility. Vitamin E protects sperm from free radicals with antioxidant effect and increases sperm motility. In vitamin E deficiency, sperm motility decreases and the sperm's capacity to fertilize the egg decreases.
● It increases the sexual power of men. In studies, it has been shown that external vitamin E supplementation increases the testosterone level, and accordingly, the sexual power of the man increases.
● IVF increases the chance of success. Studies have shown that men who take vitamin E supplements have a 29% higher chance of IVF success.
Effect of Vitamin E on Female Infertility
The most important effect of vitamin E on female infertility is thickening of the uterine wall. Because in order for the embryo to attach to the uterine wall, the thickness of the endometrium must be > 7mm. Otherwise, the embryo cannot attach to the uterus. With this effect, vitamin E increases the woman's chance of getting pregnant.
Some drugs, especially used in the treatment of infertility and which are used to develop eggs, cause thinning of the uterine wall. This reduces the chance of success of the treatment. In this context, adding vitamin E to infertility treatment may increase the success rate of the treatment.
Apart from infertility, studies have shown that Vitamin E is also beneficial in the treatment of menstrual irregularity, polycystic ovary syndrome, menstrual pain and menopause.
Effect of Vitamin E on Pregnancy
Vitamin E thickens the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby. In this way, it can reduce the risk of miscarriage and premature birth due to bursting of the amniotic sac.
Foods Rich in Vitamin E
Vitamin E is at normal levels in those who have a balanced and healthy diet. In this case, there is no need for vitamin E supplementation. Because excess vitamin E has a risk of bleeding, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. A healthy person should take 500-1000 mg of vitamin E per day. The following foods are rich in vitamin E;
Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, tomatoes, peppers, vegetable oils, nuts, peanuts, almonds, avocados, radishes, turnips, mangoes, kiwis, papayas, lobster, seafood and egg yolks.
Stating that a sufficient amount of vitamin E should be taken daily through nutrition, Prof. Dr. Deniz Ulaş underlined that couples who are considering children should pay attention to this issue and that vitamin E supplements should be given to those who cannot eat enough.
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