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HCP Blog
Supporting Nutrition on GLP-1s: Protecting Hormones, Muscle & Metabolism
Supporting nutrition alongside GLP-1 medications can help protect muscle, hormones and metabolic health. Discover a practical nutrition framework to support patients in clinical practice.
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Managing GLP-1 Therapy in Reproductive-Age Women: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals
GLP-1 therapies are transforming metabolic care, but they also raise important considerations for menstrual health, fertility planning and nutrition. This guide outlines what healthcare professionals should know when supporting reproductive-age women.
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PMOS Changes the Approach to Fertility and Pregnancy Nutritional Support
The shift from PCOS to PMOS reflects a broader understanding of fertility as a metabolic and endocrine condition. Discover why nutrition and metabolic health are becoming central to fertility and pregnancy support.
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Why Nutrient Synergy Matters in Prenatal and Preconception Nutrition
Nutrients don’t work alone. Discover why nutrient synergy is essential for fertility and pregnancy, and how a holistic prenatal approach supports optimal outcomes.
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Global Micronutrient Deficiencies: An Overlooked Factor in Fertility and Pregnancy Challenges
Micronutrient deficiencies affect billions globally, including women in developed countries. These hidden gaps play a critical role in fertility, pregnancy health and outcomes.
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Omega 3 During Pregnancy: Why Intake Matters
Research increasingly shows that Omega 3 plays a key role in healthy pregnancy outcomes. Learn why adequate DHA and EPA intake matters for both mother and baby.
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Omega 3 and Chances of Conception
Omega 3 fatty acids play a key role in reproductive health, influencing hormone signalling, inflammation and conception likelihood. This article explores their importance during the pre‑conception phase.
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Ovarian Reserve: Quality Over Quantity
Ovarian reserve reflects more than egg quantity, with quality and environment playing a key role in fertility outcomes.Explore how AMH, AFC, nutrition and lifestyle may support reproductive health.
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Coenzyme Q10: Powering Fertility
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a key role in energy production and antioxidant protection, both essential for reproductive health.Emerging evidence highlights its potential to support egg quality, sperm function, and overall fertility outcomes.
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Nutrition for PCOS: Guidance for Healthcare Professionals
For Healthcare Professionals Only What is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women, affecting around 1 in 5 of child-bearing age. It is a varied condition with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. Typical features may include: Irregular or absent menstrual cycles Acne Ovarian cysts (detected on ultrasound) Obesity or difficulty managing weight Infertility Hirsutism (excess hair on the face and body) Not every patient will present with all features, which can make diagnosis challenging. What Causes PCOS? PCOS is an insulin resistance syndrome. In affected women, this means the body is ignoring the insulin it normally produces. When this happens, the body produces more and more insulin, leading to high overall insulin levels. Persistently elevated insulin can: Contribute to weight gain, which is common in PCOS Cause the ovaries to produce more testosterone than normal The high level of testosterone can trigger a reaction in the body that can disrupt ovulatory function, contributing to irregular cycles and the development of ovarian cysts. The Role of Nutrition and Lifestyle Low Glycaemic Index (GI) Diet Dietary management is a cornerstone of PCOS care. A low GI diet can help reduce insulin resistance by stabilising blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates with a lower GI produce smaller glucose rises, minimising insulin secretion and supporting hormonal balance. Key recommendations include: Emphasising wholegrains, legumes, vegetables, and high-fibre foods Reducing intake of refined carbohydrates and added sugars Aiming for a balanced, sustainable diet with an optimal BMI (18.5–25) Exercise Regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity and is recommended for all women with PCOS, regardless of BMI. Both aerobic and resistance training can provide metabolic and reproductive benefits. Supplementation: The Role of Myo-Inositol Beyond diet and lifestyle, evidence supports a role for specific supplementation in managing PCOS. Myo-Inositol, a naturally occurring compound, has been shown to: Improve insulin sensitivity Support ovarian function and restore ovulation in some patients Lower circulating androgen levels, which may reduce acne and hirsutism Enhance oocyte quality, with potential implications for fertility outcomes Supplementation with myo-inositol is generally well tolerated and can be considered as an adjunct to dietary and lifestyle interventions. Other nutrients such as vitamin D and folic acid are also important. Summary for HCPs PCOS is a multifactorial condition with insulin resistance at its core. Nutrition and lifestyle modification remain the first line of management, with low GI dietary approaches and regular exercise central to improving metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Supplementation, particularly with myo-inositol, may provide additional benefit in improving ovulation, reducing hyperandrogenic symptoms, and supporting fertility.
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Supporting Female patients: Enhancing Egg Quality Through Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Supplementation
For Healthcare Professionals Only Age is the strongest factor influencing egg quality, but it is not the only one. Nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation can all impact oocyte development and because eggs take around three months to mature before ovulation, this window offers an opportunity for meaningful intervention. Why Egg Quality Matters Egg quality is central to fertility, affecting fertilisation, embryo development, and the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy. With age, eggs naturally become more prone to oxidative damage and chromosomal errors. While age itself cannot be modified, optimising the environment in which eggs mature can make a difference to outcomes. Nutrition and Lifestyle Interventions Balanced diet with a focus on low GI foods Stabilising blood glucose and insulin is important, even outside of PCOS. A diet rich in wholegrains, vegetables, legumes, lean proteins, and healthy fats helps keep insulin levels steady and supports hormone balance. Antioxidant-rich foods Eggs are sensitive to oxidative stress, which can impair DNA and mitochondrial function. Encourage patients to eat a wide variety of colourful fruits and vegetables, along with nuts and seeds, to boost antioxidant intake. Exercise Regular physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity and circulation, which may benefit ovarian health. A combination of aerobic and strength-based activity is recommended. Stress and sleep High stress levels and poor sleep can affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, disrupting hormone regulation. Support patients to prioritise good sleep hygiene and consider stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or yoga. Lifestyle risks Smoking, excessive alcohol, and high caffeine intake can negatively impact egg quality. Reducing or eliminating these exposures can improve the overall reproductive environment. The Role of Supplementation Alongside diet and lifestyle, specific supplements may support egg quality and overall reproductive health: Folic acid – essential for DNA synthesis and universally recommended preconception. At Proceive we use the methylated form, L-methylfolate for increased absorption. Vitamin D – important for reproductive health and immune function; deficiencies are very common. Omega-3 fatty acids – help reduce inflammation and support cell membrane function. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – may support mitochondrial energy production, particularly relevant for egg development. Antioxidants (vitamins C & E, selenium, zinc) – help reduce oxidative stress, which is a key contributor to egg ageing. Practical Takeaway for HCPs Egg quality is strongly influenced by age, but it is also shaped by nutrition, lifestyle, and supplementation. With a 90-day maturation period before ovulation, women have a window to make meaningful changes that can positively influence reproductive outcomes. Guiding patients towards a balanced diet, regular activity, stress management, and appropriate supplementation can help create a healthier environment for egg development and improve their chances of conception.
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Supporting Patients Preparing for Egg Freezing: The Role of Nutrition, Supplements and Lifestyle
For Healthcare Professionals Only Egg freezing is becoming an increasingly common option for women who want to preserve their fertility, whether due to personal, medical or professional reasons. As healthcare professionals, we have a vital role in supporting patients in the months leading up to their egg freezing cycle – a window where diet, lifestyle and supplementation can positively influence outcomes. The 3-Month Window of Opportunity Oocytes (eggs) take approximately 90 days to mature, providing a key opportunity to influence egg quality through nutritional and lifestyle interventions. Research has shown that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet in this preparatory phase may improve oocyte yield and fertility markers. A study by Karayiannis et al. (2018) found that higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a higher number of retrieved and fertilised oocytes in women undergoing IVF. This dietary pattern – rich in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and plant proteins – may improve reproductive outcomes by reducing oxidative stress and improving insulin sensitivity. Prenatal Supplements for Egg Freezing In addition to dietary changes, introducing a high-quality prenatal supplement during this 3-month window can play an important supportive role. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and zinc contribute to the protection of oocytes from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is known to negatively impact both oocyte quality and quantity. Emerging research also suggests that micronutrient supplementation may support AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels, which are often used as a marker of ovarian reserve. When recommending supplements, consider formulations that are: Comprehensive, addressing fertility-specific needs rather than general health Bioavailable, using active nutrient forms Backed by clinical evidence, with optimal levels of antioxidant nutrients and amino acids Proceive® Women and Proceive® Max Women are two examples of targeted formulations developed specifically for reproductive health. Proceive® Max Women, in powder form, delivers enhanced levels of vitamin C and E, key nutrients that contribute to cell protection from oxidative stress. Lifestyle Habits That Support Egg Freezing Outcomes Several modifiable lifestyle behaviours are linked to egg quality and ovarian response: Daily movement improves insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation Smoking cessation is critical; tobacco is associated with reduced AMH and poor IVF outcomes Limiting alcohol intake is advisable; even moderate alcohol has been linked to reduced fertility outcomes Avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – including BPA and phthalates – may protect ovarian reserve Managing stress may help with adherence to treatment protocols and overall wellbeing Supporting Your Patients As egg freezing becomes more mainstream, healthcare professionals are in a unique position to guide patients in evidence-based preparation. Nutritional optimisation, quality supplementation and positive lifestyle choices in the months before egg retrieval can help improve both the number and quality of eggs collected – giving patients the best possible foundation for future fertility. References Agarwal A, Gupta S, Sharma RK. Role of oxidative stress in female reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2005 Jul 14;3:28. doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-3-28. PMID: 16018814; PMCID: PMC1215514. Broekmans FJ, Kwee J, Hendriks DJ, Mol BW, Lambalk CB. A systematic review of tests predicting ovarian reserve and IVF outcome. Hum Reprod Update. 2006 Nov-Dec;12(6):685-718. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dml034. Epub 2006 Aug 4. PMID: 16891297. EFSA NDA Panel, Vitamin E and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 Freour T, Masson D, Mirallie S, Jean M, Bach K, Dejoie T, Barriere P. Active smoking compromises IVF outcome and affects ovarian reserve. Reprod Biomed Online. 2008 Jan;16(1):96-102. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60561-5. PMID: 18252054. Karayiannis D, Kontogianni MD, Mendorou C, Mastrominas M, Yiannakouris N. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and IVF success rate among non-obese women attempting fertility. Hum Reprod. 2018 Mar 1;33(3):494-502. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey003. PMID: 29390148. Mínguez-Alarcón L, Chavarro JE, Gaskins AJ. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and reproductive outcomes among couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments. Fertil Steril. 2018 Sep;110(4):587-592. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.026. PMID: 30196942; PMCID: PMC11002791.
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