Vitamin E has progesterone-like effects and can improve luteal function.
I’ve talked at length about Vitamin E’s importance in fertility. But did you know that it can act like progesterone? Here’s how:
It combats the oxidative effects of estrogen.
Researchers have “described vitamin E as the "progesterone-sparing agent," since so many of its antiestrogenic effects resembled those of progesterone…[it] acts within the cellular regulatory systems, to prevent inflammation and inappropriate excitation. Since uncontrolled excitation causes destructive oxidations, these substances prevent those forms of oxidation.” (Peat)
It increases blood flow to the corpus luteum (CL) and the uterus.
“Vitamin-E...improved luteal function by decreasing CL blood flow impedance. CL blood flow is a critical factor for luteal function.” (Takasaki et al)
“In my experiments, vitamin E increased the amount of oxygen in the uterus, correcting an oxygen deficiency produced either by supplemental estrogen or by old age. Progesterone has similar effects on the delivery of oxygen to the uterus.” (Peat)
It works synergistically with progesterone.
In an animal study, Vitamin E along with Vitamin Ⓒ had a progesterone-like effet and worked synergistically with progesterone on the endometrium. (Sharaf et al)
The best ways to get Vitamin E (some might be counterintuitive!):
⟿Toss industrial vegetable oils and iron-fortified foods, which deplete Vitamin E
⟿Eat grass-fed meat and butter, whose Vitamin E content is 4X higher than grain-fed
⟿Talk to your healthcare provider about a Vitamin E supplement.
⟿My favorites: @mitolife (code INNATE for 15% off) @northamericanherbandspice (code INNATE for 15% off).
See my other posts about Vitamin E for more info on its fertility benefits. I will be talking more about fertility-supporting nutrients in our upcoming course! Sign up via the link in my bio for updates. :)
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Not medical advice.
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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.
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References
Peat, R. (2006). Vitamin E: Estrogen antagonist, energy promoter, and anti-inflammatory. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/vitamin-e.shtml.
Saraf, A. Gomaa, N. (1972). Progesterone-like effect of vitamins. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF01105514.
Takasaki, A. Tamura, H. Asada, H. Taniguchi, K. Taketani, T. Matsuoka, A. Yomagata, Y. Shimamura, K. Morioka, H. Sugino, N. (2009). Luteal blood flow and luteal function. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2633338/#:~:text=It%20is%20of%20interest%20to,by%20acting%20as%20an%20antioxidant.
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