Nurtitional supplements

[janem]

Hello
I was wondering what nutritional supplements people are all taking? I have been reading a book which claims by boosting zinc, Vit E, selenium, Vit C and linseed oil daily, it has boosted womens' chances of conceiving naturally / with IVF and may reduce the chances of miscarriage. It seems you have to take higher than what may be the recommended daily dose that you see on most vitamin and mineral packaging. I'm currently taking Pregnacare but comparing the doses with the recommendations in the book I need to be taking higher doses especially zinc and Vit C.

I've also read about hair analysis to test for nutritional deficiencies.Can anyone tell me where I can test my hair?

I don't want to overdose on vitamins and minerals but I would be grateful for any advice. I'm 37, ttc 2 years, clomid 6th cycle, endometriosis but tubes clear and have our 1st IVF consultation next month.

Thanks Jane

[Allison]

Hi Jane,

Did you read the Marilyn Glenville book. The supplements you have mentioned seem familiar. I read that book also a couple of years ago. Both DH and I had hair mineral tests arranged through her clinic in London. You simply send off your sample and they return results by post a little later.

The tests showed me deficient in Zinc and Chromium and DH was deficient in Selenium and Zinc. We took the supplements she suggested (modified from her book) for a while but found them very expensive. We still take supplements along the same lines but use Pregnacare and Wellman as the multivits and use holland and Barrett own makes for the others.

We felt we wanted to do something positve to help remedy our infertility. We still feel the same but 2 yrs later and 3 clomid cycles, 5 IUIs and 3IVFs later we still havent got that longed for positive so it certainly is no instant cure! It does clearly work for some so give it a try.

If you need contact details for the hair tests IM me and I will let you have them

Good luck,
Allison
x

[Wendy]

Hiya, I take folic acid (of course) B6, general B group, zinc, calcium, magnesium, vit D, L- Arginine plus 75mg asprin and 2 L water a day. DH takes same vits plus co enzyme Q10, Vit A, C, mega dose vit E, and selenium (not asprin though)
Our first ivf failed when we hadn't done any of the above but after getting this list of this site from other girls plus reading around a bit we started on this pill popping bonanza and we ended up with a healthy baby boy after our 2nd ivf. We are now going again - despite the same vitamins, asprin and water, the 3rd ivf failed in feb, but i've got 2 frosties which we are getting put back next week fingers crossed.
I was convinced it was what did the trick when it worked, but then after a failed attempt doing exactly the same (plus far less stress due to having a baby already) I really don't know if it works or not.
We think as long as you arn't daft (and go way over the top wrt exceeding recommended amounts too much) it certainly helps thinking you are doing something positive towards your goal.
We know the vitamin E works as a specialist prescribed it to DH - 1000mg a day for 3 mths and it increased his sperm motility from below 5 % to over 30 %.
The water soluble vits are fine as excess is washed out of the system (assuming you are drinking plenty) and vitamin E is proven safe even in high doses. We get all ours on the internet from www.mailordervitamins.co.uk very efficient and cheaper than holland and barrett. I stopped everything after ET but took pregnacare instead.
Good luck Wendy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[alisonn]

hi jane
i had a hair anaylis done thru FORESIGHT (Association for the
promotion of pre-conceptual care)
I started taking the supplements they suggest i was lacking in
just as i was starting my 3rd go at ICSI and continued after my
3rd -itve, but i finally got my positive on my 4th attempt, i realy
dont know if it was anything to do with the supplements but at the
age of 43 i was willing to give anyting a go.
There phone no. is 01483 427839 they are a charity run and our
based in Surrey
I hope this helps
alisonn