Fertility is a complex process that requires optimal functioning of various physiological systems in both men and women. One critical aspect of female fertility is the health of the egg cell, which is directly linked to the health of the mitochondria within the cell. I am keeping this blog post short, sweet and to the point. I am also keeping it evidence based so you can check out the research itself! This is just a few.
What are Mitochondria?
Mitochondria are organelles found in cells that are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP. They are particularly abundant in cells with high energy demands, such as muscle cells and egg cells. Your egg cells have a lot of work to do! Ovulation itself needs an incredible amount of energy.
Mitochondrial Health and Fertility:
Mitochondria play a crucial role in female fertility, particularly in the process of oogenesis (the development of the egg cell). As the egg cell develops, it undergoes a series of divisions and maturation processes, during which the mitochondria must function optimally to provide the necessary energy for these processes to occur.
Research has shown that mitochondrial dysfunction in the egg cell can lead to a range of fertility issues, including poor egg quality, reduced fertilization rates, and increased rates of miscarriage (1). Mitochondrial dysfunction has also been linked to various age-related fertility issues, such as diminished ovarian reserve and decreased fertility potential (2).
Mitochondrial Health and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART):
Mitochondrial health is particularly important in the context of assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART procedures can be stressful for the egg cell, and may lead to mitochondrial damage or dysfunction.
Research has shown that ART procedures, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can result in increased levels of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in the embryo (3). This can have significant implications for the health of the resulting offspring, as mtDNA mutations have been linked to a range of developmental disorders and diseases (4).
How to Improve Mitochondrial Health:
There are several strategies that can be used to improve mitochondrial health in the egg cell.
Antioxidant supplements: Antioxidants, such as coenzyme Q10 and alpha-lipoic acid, have been shown to improve mitochondrial function and reduce oxidative stress in the egg cell (5).
Exercise: Regular exercise has been shown to improve mitochondrial function in a range of cell types, including egg cells (6).
Diet: A diet rich in nutrients that support mitochondrial function, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help to improve mitochondrial health in the egg cell (7).
Optimal mitochondrial health is crucial for female fertility, particularly in the context of oogenesis and assisted reproductive technology. By implementing strategies to improve mitochondrial function, such as antioxidant supplements, exercise, and a healthy diet, women can increase their chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy.
For more information on how you can optimize your egg quality, check out my Egg Beauty Regimen online course! This course has it all at your fingertips, ready for you to implement from the comfort of your own home.
Citations:
Meldrum, D. R., et al. "Mitochondrial dysfunction and infertility." Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology 18.3 (2006): 253-259.
Bentov, Y., et al. "The aging ovary—forgotten players: mitochondrial DNA and mitochondrial dysfunction." Fertility and sterility 101.2 (2014): 364-371.
Boucret, L., et al. "Assisted reproductive technology alters deoxyribonucleic acid methylation profiles in blood spots from newborns conceived by in vitro fertilization." Fertility and sterility 104.3 (2015): 643-649.
Chinnery, P. F. "Mitochondrial disorders overview." GeneReviews® [Internet]. University of Washington, Seattle, 2016.
Ben-Meir, A., et al. "Coenzyme Q10 restores oocyte mitochondrial function and fertility during reproductive aging." Aging Cell 14.5 (2015): 887-895.
Wahabi, H. A., et al. "The effect of moderate exercise on ovarian reserve markers: a randomized controlled trial." Reproductive BioMedicine Online 36.3 (2018): 219-226.
Sen, S., et al. "Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid supplementation may improve ovarian function and fertility outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis." European journal of nutrition 60.7 (2021): 3417-3429.
