Fertility Gummies: Are They Worth It?

Infertility can be very distressing and challenging to treat, as well as expensive. While modern interventions can be very effective, they can be very costly, and the success rates can vary. Many people who are dealing with infertility look for cheap alternatives to standardized medical interventions to help them overcome the challenge of infertility. Many other people choose to go through overseas medical treatment via medical health travel agencies or meditour agencies in handling their infertility. These are usually well-off individuals engaging in medical tourism or health tourism. 

Supplements that are touted to boost fertility levels in males and females are usually not too expensive, and it is the alternative that is preferred. While there are many claims on the effectiveness and the benefits of such supplements, it is important to remember that most of these supplements are not required by food and drug agencies to prove their effectiveness in clinical studies. Usually, any study that exists tends to be small. This begs the question if fertility gummies are worth it.

What are Fertility Supplements or Gummies?

Fertility supplements or ‘gummies’ are dietary nutritional supplements that are designed to boost the body’s ability to conceive. They are usually found on the shelves of supermarkets, pharmacies, health and food stores. While these products typically have marketing and promises that are compelling and convincing, what they promise often goes beyond the evidence needed to back their claims.

What are some types of supplements?

Some common types of supplements that exist include:

• Vitamin E – According to available research, there is a claim that vitamin E may increase sperm motility due to its antioxidant effects, leading to an increase in fertility in men. There is very little research, however, on the potential benefits of supplementation in females who are experiencing fertility issues.

• Folic acid – According to research, this supplement has been said to be effective in helping women get and stay pregnant. There is a need for more research that will specify the importance of folic acid in treating female infertility. For men, it was found that a combination of folic acid and zinc helped improve the quality of sperm.

• Acetyl L-carnitine – This supplement is an antioxidant that research found may have some promise in handling some fertility issues in women like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. Research also said that the antioxidant has some effect on sperm motility.
• Vitamin C – This vitamin was found to help men with obesity improve their sperm mobility and concentration.
• Coenzyme Q10 – This helps in generating energy in human cells. A recent study on its effect on infertility has also been very positive. The research found that women who used the coenzyme while undergoing IVF had a higher pregnancy rate than in the control group.

Do these supplements work?

While some research has indicated that they may offer some benefits when they are taken, other research has said that they have very little to no effects. Some research goes ahead to state that the overuse of these supplements by men may have a damaging effect on their fertility. It has also been stated that making certain lifestyle adjustments, such as decreasing weight, giving up smoking, stopping the use of drugs, cutting back on or quitting drinking, and eating better foods, will increase the likelihood of getting pregnant while taking these supplements. Taking supplements alone may not be enough to overcome the challenge of infertility and guarantee that the individual will conceive.

Are there any risks in using these supplements?

Some fertility supplements can interact with other medications. For instance, folic acid may interact with drugs for parasitic infections or seizures. Vitamin E, when being taken with some weight-loss drugs, blood thinners and bile-acid sequestrants, may cause adverse effects. High doses of supplements can also lead to the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Rash
• Increased risk of cancer when taking folic acid
• Increased risk of heart disease

Before taking any of these supplements, the individual should always speak to their doctor about the risks and the potential benefits. The doctor that is to be consulted has to know the medical history of the individual and be aware of any preexisting condition. It is important to find out if the supplement will interact with any ongoing medication, or if it poses a risk of overdose.

What are some warning signs to watch out for when buying fertility supplements?

While most of the companies that are selling supplements are trying to provide a quality and reasonably priced product, others are only trying to pull off a scam. These dishonest companies are aware that couples who are battling with infertility are usually desperate for a solution, and they take advantage of that to make money. Some warning signs that indicate that a supplement can be low quality or useless include:

• It makes mega promises – It is important to note that no supplement can single-handedly cure infertility, so any of them that is making that promise is suspicious. Even assisted reproductive techniques like IVF do not promise or guarantee pregnancy.
• The website contains spelling errors or grammatical mistakes – A carelessly put together website or emails are huge red flags that a product could be a scam.
• Claims research-proven but do not list the studies done – It is essential to look up any research claims that a manufacturer makes on third-party reputable medical websites. This will help the patient validate any claims that were made by the manufacturers, as some of them bank on the laziness of their buyers.
• References unnamed scientists or doctors – When the manufacturer does not give the full name of the experts that they list as backing their products, it is impossible to determine if those experts even exist. Not only should the names be clear, but the credentials and their qualifications should be listed and accurate.

Summary: Are Fertility Gummies Worth it? 

While some supplements have been demonstrated to have the potential to improve fertility and chances of conception, it is crucial for people to consult their doctor before taking any of these supplements as they may have serious adverse effects. While taking these supplements, the individual should also endeavour to make other lifestyle changes that will help improve their chances of conceiving. There should also be more research on these supplements in order to determine their effectiveness in treating infertility.