A power antioxidant – 11 ways ALA (alpha lipoic acid) can support fertility

We’ve covered antioxidants with Zita West across lots of our content. As a global authority on all-things fertility nutrition, Zita and her team provide access to the latest information on everything from NAC for miscarriage prevention to the impact of vitamin E supplementation on endometrial health.

World-leading advice and guidance, in an easy-to-understand format. That’s our jam. And so too is the Zita West supplement line, which last week got an upgrade, with the addition of new power antioxidant, Alpha Lipoic Acid – a high-strength antioxidant for male and female fertility. 

Skip straight to the brand new ALA here, and remember to claim 10% off the entire Zita West fertility supplement range (US and UK), with code TRB10* at checkout. Or, keep reading for lots more detail on alpha lipoic acid and fertility – from its benefits to specifics around male and female support, dosage and more. 

Alpha lipoic acid and fertility – the 101

Renowned for its powerful antioxidant properties and overall health benefits, alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is gaining recognition for its potential to enhance fertility outcomes. But what exactly is ALA? And, what are the core benefits to know? Let’s look at 11 focuses in the research, and how to incorporate ALA into your fertility action plan effectively. 

What is alpha lipoic acid – and why are we interested?

We love our antioxidants. But did you know that alpha lipoic acid is actually unique, due to its ability to be both water and fat-soluble? This means it can function in various environments within the body. Like other antioxidants, it combats free radicals. But, it goes above and beyond by also regenerating other antioxidants, extending their lifespan and enhancing their effectiveness. 

ALA is naturally produced in the body, but only in small amounts. So a supplement can be helpful if you’re trying to target a specific health goal, like fertility or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

Whole-body health

ALA’s primary function as a potent antioxidant involves reducing oxidative stress, which can lead to disease like diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. By supporting healthy insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, ALA plays a crucial role in managing blood sugar levels – great news in the world of diabetes, but also for women navigating PCOS. 

Fertility

So let’s start with PCOS. Research shows that ALA may be a dynamic support here, with potential to improve insulin sensitivity and promote healthier hormonal balance – crucial for regular ovulation. 

More broadly, thanks to its potent antioxidant status, ALA helps cut down oxidative stress in both men and women, providing a potential boost for sperm quality in men and nourishing ovarian function in women.

ALA also plays a role in cellular energy production and is found naturally in mitochondria. It may help protect the mitochondria from the effects of ageing, helping to support egg maturation and quality.

What are the benefits, for fertility?

Alpha lipoic acid provides powerful antioxidant support across multiple fertility groups – whether you’re male, female, and concerned with PCOS, sperm health, ovarian function, IVF prep, age-related fertility priorities, and more. 

Here are 11 key benefits to scan: 

ALA for female fertility

• Hormonal balance: ALA works to improve insulin sensitivity, which can be particularly beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Better insulin sensitivity helps balance hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, crucial for regular menstrual cycles and ovulation.
• Ovarian health: By reducing oxidative stress, ALA can support overall ovarian health and function, which is essential for the development and release of healthy eggs.
• Improved egg quality: ALA’s antioxidant properties may help protect eggs from oxidative damage, improving their quality and increasing the likelihood of successful fertilisation and embryo development.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: ALA comes packed with properties that can help reduce inflammation in the reproductive organs, potentially enhancing fertility.
• Endometrial health: ALA can support the endometrial lining, making it more receptive to embryo implantation.
• Enhanced blood flow: By improving blood circulation, ALA helps ensure that the reproductive organs receive adequate oxygen and nutrients, promoting a healthier conception environment.

ALA for male fertility

• Reduced oxidative stress: ALA is a potent antioxidant, with potential to neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which can damage sperm cells and impair their function.
• Improved sperm quality: By protecting sperm cells from oxidative damage, ALA can help improve sperm morphology and integrity.
• Enhanced sperm motility: Increased antioxidant protection from ALA can enhance sperm motility, which is crucial for the sperm’s ability to swim and fertilise an egg.
• Increased sperm count: Initial studies suggest that ALA supplementation may lead to an increase in sperm count. 
• DNA protection: ALA is shown to ameliorate (improve) the situation for men with sperm DNA damage, helping ensure better genetic integrity and reducing the risk of chromosomal abnormalities.

Keen to try the high-strength ALA from Zita West? Snap 10% off the entire range (US and UK), with code TRB10* at checkout. 

*TRB10 is valid once per customer only. Excludes subscription purchase. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Zita West terms of the site apply.