Selenium enhances female fertility

21.11.2014

Element contained in Brazil nuts, red meat and seafood, increases a woman's chances of getting pregnant and have a baby.

It was found that selenium, a natural antioxidant, plays a very important role in the early stages of conception, and among all products, Brazil nuts are the richest source of this element.

Selenium also plays a crucial role in the development of healthy ovarian follicles that are responsible for the production of eggs in females. It is essential to many biological functions such as immune response, the production of thyroid hormones, acts as an antioxidant, helps rid the body of harmful toxins.

During the study, the researchers pinpointed on what functions of the ovary affects selenium. Then they noticed the selenium-containing protein called GPX1. And found that selenium and protein GPX1 found in higher amounts in healthy follicles, which in turn provides a healthy environment for the development of eggs. Subsequently, the egg that led to fertilization, contained twice as much selenium-containing protein GPX1.

The researchers hope their discovery could help women with fertility problems.

Based on: eurolab.ua

Read also:
International Reproductive Technologies Support Agency | Donation of oocytes, embryos and sperm
© 2024 – International Reproductive Technologies Support Agency. All rights reserved.