As women delay childbearing, the fertility challenges faced by those TTC at advanced maternal age have received increasing attention. Clinical research shows that oxidative stress is one of the key factors affecting egg quality and ovarian function in older women, and enhancing the body’s antioxidant capacity has become an important scientific strategy for improving outcomes in TTC at advanced maternal age.
Oxidative Stress: The Core Physiological Barrier in TTC at Advanced Maternal Age
As age increases, ovarian function naturally declines, with a reduction in follicle numbers accompanied by a significant drop in egg quality. This process is closely linked to elevated oxidative stress levels in the body: during follicle development in the ovaries, large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced. Under normal conditions, the body’s antioxidant system maintains a dynamic balance of free radicals, but in women TTC at advanced maternal age, antioxidant system function weakens, making it unable to clear excess free radicals in time.
Excess reactive oxygen species attack oocytes within the follicles, damaging mitochondrial function and chromosomal integrity. This directly leads to reduced egg quality, lower fertilization rates, and an increased risk of embryonic chromosomal abnormalities. At the same time, oxidative stress impairs granulosa cell function in the ovaries, affecting estrogen secretion and nutrient supply to follicles, further exacerbating the decline in ovarian reserve and becoming a major obstacle to conception for those TTC at advanced maternal age.
The Key Role of Antioxidant Capacity in TTC at Advanced Maternal Age
1. Protecting Egg Quality and Enhancing Fertilization Potential
A strong antioxidant system can effectively clear excess free radicals in the follicular microenvironment, reducing damage to oocyte DNA and mitochondria, and maintaining normal physiological structure and function of the eggs. This improves fertilization rates and embryonic developmental potential. Clinical data show that women TTC at advanced maternal age with higher antioxidant levels have significantly higher rates of high-quality embryos in IVF treatment compared to those with lower levels.
2. Improving Ovarian Function and Delaying Reserve Decline
Antioxidant substances protect ovarian granulosa cells from oxidative damage, preserving their ability to secrete hormones and provide nutrients, thereby optimizing the follicular development microenvironment. This not only delays the natural decline in ovarian reserve but also improves ovarian responsiveness to ovulation induction drugs, securing more high-quality follicle resources for women TTC at advanced maternal age.
3. Reducing Risks of Pregnancy Complications
Sufficient antioxidant capacity not only aids conception but also extends into the pregnancy stage, reducing risks of oxidative stress-related complications such as gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, providing dual protection for maternal and infant health.
Antioxidant Strategies for Those TTC at Advanced Maternal Age
1. Dietary Adjustment: Intake of Natural Antioxidant Nutrients
Daily diet can include more foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, while following recommended intake levels to provide basic antioxidant support:
- Vitamin C: Daily recommended intake 100–200 mg, supplemented through citrus fruits, bell peppers, broccoli, etc.; excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Vitamin E: Daily recommended intake 15–20 mg (about 22–30 IU), preferably natural vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol), sourced from nuts, vegetable oils, avocados, etc.
- Glutathione: Daily recommended intake 250–500 mg, obtainable from deep-sea fish, lean meat, asparagus, etc.
2. Scientific Supplementation with Targeted Antioxidants
For those TTC at advanced maternal age, dietary adjustment alone often falls short of needs. Targeted nutritional supplements can be selected under the guidance of a reproductive specialist. For example, Juvenex Reco18’s core patented ingredient Reco18 is a highly active small-molecule compound found in follicular fluid. It acts directly on the follicular microenvironment, reducing free radical damage to eggs through antioxidant mechanisms while supporting granulosa cell function, providing optimal conditions for egg development—one of the preferred scientific antioxidant options for those TTC at advanced maternal age.
3. Lifestyle Adjustment: Reducing Oxidative Stress Triggers
Quitting smoking and alcohol, maintaining regular sleep, engaging in moderate exercise, and avoiding prolonged mental stress can all lower oxidative stress levels in the body, helping to boost antioxidant capacity and create a solid physiological foundation for conception.
Conclusion
Antioxidant capacity is one of the key factors determining success in TTC at advanced maternal age. Through scientific antioxidant interventions to improve egg quality and ovarian function, a pathway to smoother conception can be opened for those TTC at advanced maternal age.