New Research Alert

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials (which is the best quality type of research!) investigated if coenzyme Q10 supplementation improve fertility outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology procedures.

The aim of the study was to review the best available evidence regarding the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on clinical pregnancy (CPR), live birth (LBR), and miscarriage rates (MR) compared with placebo or no-treatment in women with infertility undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). The study found that CoQ10 supplementation improves clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing ART, especially those with poor ovarian response or PCOS, compared to the placebo or no treatment. However, CoQ10 does not significantly affect live birth rates or miscarriage rates. More large-scale, well-designed studies are needed to clarify its impact on fertility outcomes.

Tips for drinking more water

Water is essential for life. Up to 60% of the adult human body is water and water also assists in a number of essential functions such as helping to deliver oxygen all to different parts of the body and waters helps to allow the body’s cells to grow, reproduce and survive. The body cannot store water so we need fresh supplies every day.

Approximate adequate daily intakes of fluids for adult men and women are 2.6 litres and 2.1 litres respectively. Despite its importance, many of us do not meet these requirements. Here are some tips to drink more water everyday.

• Have a drink bottle handy: ALWAYS have a drink bottle on hand. Whether you keep it on your desk at work or in your handbag, having a drink bottle is simple way to keep track of how much you are drinking and also encourage you to drink more. It also means you can drink lots of water without having to buy a bottle of water

• Use a marked drink bottle

• Make your water interesting: I know the reason you don’t drink water is because its boring, so try and make your water interesting! By adding fruit and herbs such as mint, it can make your water more flavoursome. Try this recipe for blueberry, pineapple and sage water – https://livelighter.com.au/Recipe/509/blueberry–pineapple-and-sage-water

• Try drinking sparkling water: this is another interesting change up from just plain water. Try this recipe for strawberry and mint sparkling water – https://livelighter.com.au/Recipe/506/strawberry-and-mint-sparkling-water

• Use an app to track your cups – an app called Daily Water Free allows you to track the number of cups of water you have drunk and sets a timer for you to drink your next cup