Antioxidants (women, mixed/combo formulas)
Written by Fertility Decoded. Reviewed by D R, MS (OBG), FRM. Review date: 31 August 2026.
The verdict
Low/very-low-quality evidence of a modest pregnancy-rate signal; live birth uncertain.
Any antioxidant supplement (vitamin C/E, CoQ10, selenium, melatonin, NAC, etc., alone or combined) marketed for female fertility.
What the evidence shows
Cochrane (Showell 2020): low- to very-low-quality evidence. Live birth uncertain (very low quality); low-quality evidence suggests a possible increase in clinical pregnancy rate. No increase in miscarriage, multiples, GI effects, or ectopic pregnancy.
A 2024 umbrella review found multiple micronutrients/antioxidants associated with higher live birth in ART and spontaneous-conception populations, but rated the certainty very low.
Evidence tier
Cochrane review (weak)🔵 A Cochrane systematic review exists; evidence is low/very-low certainty.
Frequently asked questions
- Cochrane found only low- to very-low-quality evidence of a possible increase in clinical pregnancy; live birth is uncertain, with no rise in miscarriage.
- No — a 2024 umbrella review found associations with higher live birth but rated the certainty very low.
Do antioxidants improve female fertility?
Are 'fertility blends' proven?
Sources
Take this further
Sources last reviewed .