1. Folic acid: the "guardian" of embryonic health

1. Mechanism of action and clinical value
Prevention of neural tube defects: Folic acid (vitamin B9) is the core substance in DNA synthesis and repair. Folic acid supplementation 3 months before test tube can reduce the risk of fetal neural tube defects (such as spina bifida and anencephalic babies) by 70%.
·Improve embryo quality: Participate in oocyte meiosis and reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities. Studies have shown that women with sufficient folic acid have a 15% higher rate of high-quality embryos and a 20% lower abortion rate.
·Coordinated male fertility: Men's folic acid supplementation reduces the rate of sperm DNA fragmentation and reduces the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.
2. Supplementary programmes
·Dose: 0.4 - 0.8 mg of active folic acid (5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid) per day, with higher bioavailability than synthetic folic acid.
·Food sources: Spinach, animal liver, beans (need to be combined with supplements to ensure sufficient amounts).

2. Selenium: The "antioxidant shield" of germ cells

1. Mechanism of action and clinical value
·Protects gamete DNA integrity: Selenium removes free radicals through glutathione peroxidase and reduces egg/sperm oxidative damage. The selenium concentration in follicular fluid of selenium deficient people is significantly lower than that of normal people, and the embryonic development potential is reduced.
·Reduce the risk of abortion: Maintain balance of thyroid function, regulate immune responses, and reduce embryo rejection.
2. Supplementary programmes
·Dose: 50 - 200μg per day (overdose may cause poisoning).
·Food sources: Brazil nuts (1 - 2 pieces/day), seafood, animal offal.

3. Vitamin E: the "repair expert" of the endometrium

1. Mechanism of action and clinical value
·Improve endometrial receptivity: Vitamin E (tocopherol) promotes uterine blood flow, reducing endometrial blood flow resistance in 72% of women, and increasing endometrial thickness in 52% of women.
·Dual-effect antioxidant protection:
Female: Improve the antioxidant capacity of follicular fluid and improve egg maturity.
Men: Combined with vitamin C, the sperm DNA fragmentation rate is reduced by 40%.
2. Supplementary programmes
·Dose: 200 - 300mg of natural form (d-alpha tocopherol) daily, taken after meals.
·Food sources: Almonds (15mg in 30g), sunflower oil, spinach.
·Contraindications: Avoid using it with anticoagulants. 1000mg/day increases the risk of bleeding.

4. Coenzyme Q10: The "engine" of egg energy

1. Mechanism of action and clinical value
·Reverse egg aging: Provide energy to mitochondria and increase ATP production in oocytes. Women over the age of 35 were supplemented with 300 - 600mg of coenzyme Q10 per day, and the rate of high-quality eggs increased by 18%.
·Optimize sperm parameters: Men supplemented with 200mg/day of CoQ10 increased sperm vitality by 30% after 3 months and reduced deformity rate by 25%.
2. Supplementary programmes
·Dosage:
Women in general: 200 - 400mg/day
Old age/decreased ovarian reserve: 300 - 600mg/day (doctor's advice required).
·Timing: Starting 3 months before ovulation promotion and continuing until the day of egg retrieval.

5. Vitamin D: the "invisible driving force" of embryo implantation

1. Mechanism of action and clinical value
·Normal levels (30 - 100ng/mL) can reach 70%.
·Regulate the immune microenvironment: inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory factors, reduce endometrial inflammatory response, and reduce embryo rejection.
·Coordinated hormone secretion: Promote the secretion of progesterone by ovarian luteal cells to maintain early pregnancy.
2. Supplementary programmes
·Testing and dose: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D will be tested before test tube, and those with deficiencies will be supplemented with 800 - 1000IU daily.
·Access: sun exposure (exposed skin for 15 - 30 minutes/day), deep-sea fish, egg yolk; supplements are needed when diet is insufficient.
3. Nutrient synergy and supplementation principles
·Accurate supplement:
Vitamin E should be focused on those with thin endometrium; coenzyme Q10 should be strengthened in elderly women; and vitamin D deficiency should be corrected to normal levels first.
·Timing and periodicity:
Folic acid/coenzyme Q10 needs to be supplemented 3 months in advance; vitamin D continues until the first trimester.
·Medical supervision:
All supplements must be used under the guidance of a reproductive doctor to avoid the risk of overdose (such as selenium poisoning, vitamin E bleeding).
Important reminder: Nutrients are the cornerstone of test tube success, but they are not exclusive factors. Only by combining reasonable weight management (BMI 25), smoking and alcohol, moderate exercise and psychological adjustment can we maximize the possibility of welcoming a new life.
By scientifically supplementing these five types of nutrients, you are not only creating a suitable implantation environment for the embryo, but also laying a healthy foundation for future life. Careful preparation at every step is a beautiful expectation for the future.