Many of those experiencing fertility problems, or going through treatment, will be taking vitamin supplements in an attempt to boost their general health and increase their chances of conception, and the recent debate over the efficacy of some of these supplements is bound to be of interest.
Complementary fertility therapists often believe that vitamin deficiencies can play a role in fertility problems, and many prescribe their patients with a cocktail of supplements to try to help.
The latest study on the subject was a review of 67 existing studies into the use of vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and selenium, which have been considered to help increase life expectancy due to their antioxidant qualities. In fact, the researchers found no evidence that the supplements could help you live longer, and in the case of vitamins A and E and beta-carotene, there was actually some suggestion that they may have completely the opposite effect, with vitamin A in particular increasing the risk of death by 16%.
Many doctors believe that most of us should be able to get all the vitamins we need by eating a healthy diet, and there are concerns about people taking combinations of many different vitamins in large doses. There is no evidence in this study about fertility, but it does perhaps show that you shouldn't assume that all vitamin supplements are always good for you.
The study was a Cochrane review, one of a series of studies which looks at all the existing research on a particular subject in order to draw a balanced conclusion, and you can read more on the website at www.cochrane.org
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