As discussed in greater detail in the 3rd edition of It Starts with the Egg, the supplements to consider taking in the lead up to a frozen embryo transfer are:
- Prenatal
- Thorne Basic Prenatal
- Theranatal Core Preconception
- See my detailed post on How to Choose a Prenatal
- Vitamin D
- Life Extension vitamin D3 Liquid
- Thorne Vitamin D3 Drops
- Doctor’s Best D3 5000IU
- See Chapter 4 of the 2nd Edition for guidance on optimal vitamin D levels and supplement dosing.
- Vitamin E
- Life Extension Super Vitamin E (400 IU)
- The studies in this context used 900 IU, which is a fairly high dose. To reach close to that level, you could take two capsules per day in the month before embryo transfer, or take only one capsule per day if you prefer.
- Life Extension Super Vitamin E (400 IU)
- L-arginine
- (This is not recommended before egg retrieval because it may compromise egg quality, as explained in the book)
- Life Extension L-Arginine
- The dose used in the study that found L-arginine can improve endometrial thickness was 6 grams per day, divided into 4 doses. With the Life Extension capsules (700 mg), one option would be to take 2 capsules x 4 times per day, for a total of 8 capsules (5600 mg).
- Possibly CoQ10
After Embryo Transfer
After transfer, you can continue with your prenatal and vitamin D until you get a positive test.
For detailed guidance on supplements to take during early pregnancy, please see my pregnancy book: It Starts with the Bump: Evidence-Based Strategies for a Happy and Healthy Pregnancy