The History of Vitamin E

Vitamin E has a fascinating history that highlights a growing awareness of the intricate relationship between nutrition and reproductive health.

Discovered in the 1920s, this fat-soluble antioxidant was first dubbed "Fertility Factor X” as researchers found it was crucial for successful reproduction. Just a few years later, researchers renamed it “tocopherol” from the Greek tokos, meaning “childbirth,” and “ferein” meaning “to bring forth:

I personally love looking into the history of vitamins and minerals, it gives a beautiful picture of the evolution of our knowledge!

The time line:

Early Observations (1920s): In the 1920s, researchers were investigating a mysterious condition in rats that caused infertility and reabsorption of fetuses. This condition was eventually linked to a deficiency in what would later be identified as vitamin E.

Discovery of Vitamin E (1922): The term "vitamin E" was coined by researchers Herbert M. Evans and Katherine S. Bishop when they successfully isolated a fat-soluble nutrient from green leafy vegetables, which they believed to be essential for reproduction. They observed that rats on a diet lacking this nutrient experienced fertility issues.
Role in Reproduction (1930s): By the 1930s, scientists had established the importance of vitamin E in fertility. Vitamin E was found to be essential for the health and function of reproductive organs, and deficiencies in vitamin E were associated with infertility in both humans and animals.
Antioxidant Properties (1940s): In the 1940s, the antioxidant properties of vitamin E were recognized. It was understood that vitamin E's ability to protect cells from oxidative damage was key to its role in reproductive health.

Fast forward to today and Vitamin E’s role in fertility is more apparent than ever. It is used in many fertility protocols, for various reasons.

Let’s dig into why!

My favorite is that Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. It helps protect cells, including eggs, from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress can lead to DNA damage and reduced egg quality. By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin E helps maintain the integrity of the eggs. (This is also important for healthy sperm!)
Vitamin E may help regulate hormone levels, including those involved in the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Balanced hormonal function is essential for healthy and timely egg development and release.
Vitamin E has been shown to improve blood circulation. This ensures that the ovaries and reproductive organs receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Improved blood flow can help to support optimal egg development.
Chronic inflammation negatively influence fertility and egg quality. Vitamin E has beautiful anti-inflammatory properties than can help to create a more favorable environment.
Vitamin E contributes to the maintenance of cell membrane integrity. This is essential for the health of eggs which is very important egg quality!
Vitamin E may help to reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in the eggs, which is a common cause of miscarriage. It’s estimated 60% of miscarriages are due to chromosomal abnormalities.

This study from 2014 showed that women who supplemented with vitamins C + E took less time to get pregnant, which is an interesting look into the impact of oxidative stress on fertility.

Can you get enough Vitamin E from diet alone?

While decades ago diets were rich in Vitamin E, the modern diet is often lacking. This is due to the disappearance of freshly milled whole grains and the practice of grain feeding to animals, decreasing Vitamin E content in meat, dairy, and eggs.

Reverting to traditional practices, such as milling grains and consuming meat from animals with a biologically appropriate diet is the best approach to get more vitamin E into your diet… but also requires a times commitment and potentially lifestyle change!

That being said, it is absolutely possible to get enough vitamin E from diet without making these changes if you’re intentional about consuming foods rich in vitamin E.

The average recommendation is around 50-100 mg a day. Some foods rich in vitamin E are Atlantic Salmon, Hazelnuts, Almonds, Wheat Germ Oil and Salmon roe. It’s always best to take a look at your own diet and consider your own needs!

Supplementation is often a route taken for women wanting to support their fertility. When looking for a supplement, it’s ideal to look for one that has been molecularly distilled, free of chemical solvents and contains mixed tocopherols.

Looking for a high quality supplement?

“Antidote” is a Vitamin E supplement made by Lifeblud. It’s been a favorite of mine for years!

Use code: ANCESTRALFERTILITY10 for 10% off

his page includes affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you buy the products mentioned in this post..

As always, bio individuality is important. Always consult with your preferred healthcare provider to discuss what is right for you!

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Bree

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Vitamin E for Fertility and Egg Quality

My fertility journey took a sharp turn when I began experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss. Dismissed by multiple professionals, I took my health and fertility into my own hands.

I began researching vitamins and minerals that were supportive of fertility and more specifically egg quality. While almost all of them turned up in research, vitamin E was especially highlighted by many leading professionals.