New study finds high levels of antioxidant-rich acai berry supports better IVF outcomes
Results show significant improvements in the number of eggs retrieved and embryos fertilised
A new study has found that high levels of the antioxidant-rich acai berry significantly improves outcomes for women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
The Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine offered OvaHealth, a natural antioxidant supplement, to all qualifying participants as a part of clinical research study, which aimed to improve ovarian function for women with a history of failed implantation, prior to infertility treatment.
Eighty one per cent of the study participants achieved ongoing clinical pregnancies. OvaHealth contains a very high level of natural antioxidant activity measured by biochemical analysis making it a more powerful supplement to support ovarian function.
There were 42 participants in the study (median age 37) and all participants had at least one previous failed IVF cycle. All participants took the OvaHealth supplement for 8-12 weeks and underwent a blastocyst comprehensive chromosome screening (CCS) cycle. The outcomes of the study include
- 81% ongoing clinical pregnancy rate; the national average is 37.8% for a 37-year-old
- mean number of eggs retrieved from previous failed cycle: 15.8 with 8.1 fertilised
- mean number of eggs retrieved after using OvaHealth: 20.6 with 11.5 fertilised (a statistically significant difference).
The OvaHeath study is currently ongoing and CCRM is offering the supplement free of charge to all qualifying patients. Patients must meet all of the requirements and be committed to participation in the IVF programme at CCRM, including
- at least one previous failed IVF cycle at CCRM or elsewhere
- maternal age <45 years
- sufficient sperm for ICSI.
'We are always looking for ways to improve a couple's chances of conception,' says William Schoolcraft, MD, medical director of CCRM. 'The results of this study are extremely encouraging and we're excited to offer the OvaHealth supplement to our patients to help them have the best outcome possible.'
