If you've spent any time researching fertility in South Africa, you've come across the term "oxidative stress." It's on supplement labels, in fertility podcasts, mentioned at your IVF consult and yet almost no one actually explains it in a way that makes sense.

So let's do that today.

This is the missing piece behind everything we talk about when it comes to egg quality and fertility supplements and once you understand it, the rest finally clicks into place.

In our previous blog on egg quality, we explained what egg quality is and why it matters. In our 3 antioxidants blog, we broke down the supplements that support it. This post fills in the missing layer underneath why those supplements are needed in the first place.

What is oxidative stress, really?

The science: Every cell in your body produces tiny waste molecules called free radicals — unstable molecules that are missing an electron and "looking" to steal one from somewhere else. Your body also makes antioxidants,  molecules that safely neutralise free radicals by giving them an electron. When you have too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants to balance them out, that imbalance is called oxidative stress.

In simple terms: Imagine cutting an apple in half and leaving it on the counter. After an hour, it's turned brown. That browning is oxidation, exactly the same chemical process happening inside your body, all day, every day.

A little is normal and necessary. Too much, and your cells start to wear down from the inside.

Why this matters for your eggs

Here's the part that makes this directly relevant to fertility:

Your eggs contain around 100,000 mitochondria,  more than any other cell in your body. Mitochondria are the energy factories of every cell, and they produce free radicals as a natural byproduct of making energy.

That means your eggs are basically producing their own oxidative stress while also being uniquely sensitive to damage from it. They need a constant supply of antioxidants to keep the balance.

When that balance tips, oxidative stress affects eggs by:

• Damaging the mitochondria (the egg's energy supply weakens)
• Causing chromosomal errors (one of the leading causes of failed fertilisation and miscarriage)
• Toxifying the follicular fluid (the protective fluid surrounding the egg becomes harmful)
• Speeding up egg ageing (your biological age outpacing your real age)
• Reducing fertilisation potential (even good-looking eggs may not perform)

In simple terms: Imagine your egg as a delicate flower trying to bloom in the middle of a polluted city 🌸. It can still grow, but the environment is fighting against it every step of the way. Clean up the air, and the flower has its best chance.

This is a huge part of why egg quality declines so significantly after age 35,  it's not just age. It's the cumulative oxidative damage building up over the years.

What causes oxidative stress?

The biggest drivers in modern life are:

• Chronic stress (cortisol drains your antioxidant reserves)
• Poor sleep (you do most antioxidant repair during deep sleep)
• Processed food, sugar, refined carbs
• Smoking and excessive alcohol
• Environmental toxins (plastics, pesticides, pollution, harsh chemicals)
• Inflammation (gut issues, autoimmune conditions, chronic illness)
• Over-exercising without proper recovery
• Ageing (your body's antioxidant production naturally slows)
• Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, obesity, diabetes, thyroid issues

For South African women navigating fertility, often on top of demanding jobs, financial stress of private IVF, and the emotional weight of TTC,  oxidative stress can quietly build up without anyone realising.

What stops oxidative stress?

The good news is, oxidative stress is one of the most influenceable fertility factors. Here's where to focus:

Lifestyle foundations

• Eat the rainbow. Berries, dark leafy greens, citrus, beetroot, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, avocado, colourful, whole foods are nature's antioxidant pharmacy.
• Sleep 7–9 hours. Deep sleep is when your body does the heaviest antioxidant repair.
• Manage stress. Chronic cortisol drains antioxidants faster than almost anything else.
• Cut processed food and refined sugar. Two of the biggest oxidative stress drivers.
• Limit alcohol, quit smoking. Both pump free radicals into your system constantly.
• Move regularly — but don't over-train. Moderate exercise is anti-inflammatory. Excessive training is the opposite.
• Reduce environmental toxins. Glass over plastic, cleaner skincare, filtered water where possible.

The supplement layer

Lifestyle is the foundation. But when oxidative stress is already high,  or you're over 35, have PCOS, are prepping for IVF, or simply want to give your eggs the best chance,  targeted antioxidant supplementation is one of the most evidence-backed steps you can take.

The three antioxidants with the strongest fertility research:

⚡ CoQ10 — powers the mitochondria and acts as a fat-soluble antioxidant. Like topping up the electricity in your eggs. 🧼

NAC — the building block your body needs to make glutathione, your "master antioxidant." Think of it as your internal cleaning crew.

 🔄 Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) — a universal antioxidant that also recharges CoQ10 and glutathione so they keep working. The recycler that keeps everything running.

👉 Want the full breakdown of how each one works? Read our 3 antioxidants blog here.

👉 Shop the antioxidant range:

• Vital Coenzyme Q10
• JOOCE NAC
• SOLAL Alpha Lipoic Acid

When should you start?

Your eggs take roughly 90 days to fully mature before they're ready to be ovulated.

That means whatever you do today is preparing the egg you'll release in about three months' time.

For this reason, fertility specialists recommend starting antioxidant support, both lifestyle and supplements,  at least 3 months before you start trying or before an IVF cycle. The earlier, the better.

Already on one of our baseline fertility products?

Some of our foundational fertility supplements (like our hormone-balancing range and core prenatal blends) already contain antioxidant support built in. If you're already on one of these, you may not need to stack a full set of additional supplements — just a targeted top-up.

Not sure where you stand? Drop us a message and our team will help you build a personalised antioxidant plan based on your stage, your symptoms, and your goals. We don't believe in selling you what you don't need.

A very important note

The supplements mentioned here are well-researched but not one-size-fits-all. Some women need less, some need more, and certain supplements aren't suitable for everyone (especially if you're on chronic medication or have an existing health condition).

Please always speak to your fertility specialist, GP or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially during fertility treatment or if you're on any medication. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

The bottom line

Oxidative stress is the quiet force behind so much of what affects egg quality, and it's affecting more South African women than anyone realises.

But here's the empowering part: it's influenceable. By reducing the things that drive it (stress, processed food, toxins) and increasing the things that fight it (antioxidant-rich food, sleep, evidence-backed supplements), you can dramatically shift the environment your eggs are developing in.

Start at least 3 months before TTC or IVF. Be consistent. And trust that real change is possible. 💛

And if you haven't read the rest of the series yet:

• 📖 What is egg quality really? The South Africa women's guide
• 📖 The 3 antioxidants you need for better egg quality

Research & References

1. Agarwal A, Aponte-Mellado A, Premkumar BJ, Shaman A, Gupta S. (2012). The effects of oxidative stress on female reproduction: a review. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 10:49.
2. Ruder EH, Hartman TJ, Goldman MB. (2009). Impact of oxidative stress on female fertility. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 21(3), 219–222.
3. Lin G, Li X, Yie SLJ, Xu L. (2024). Clinical evidence of coenzyme Q10 pretreatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Medicine, 56(1).
4. Fan L, et al. (2022). N-Acetylcysteine improves oocyte quality through modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 34, 736–750.
5. Di Tucci C, et al. (2021). Alpha lipoic acid in obstetrics and gynaecology. Gynecological Endocrinology, 37(6), 482–489.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your fertility specialist or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly during fertility treatment or pregnancy.

If you've been doing your homework on egg quality, three supplements keep coming up: CoQ10. NAC. Alpha Lipoic Acid. Every fertility specialist, every wellness blog, every TTC forum.

But what actually are they? What do they each do? And why do you really need all three, not just one?

In our previous blog on egg quality, we covered the foundations what egg quality is, why it declines and why it matters whether you're trying naturally or through IVF. This post takes the next step. Here's everything you need to know about the egg quality trio — explained in real terms, not science textbook ones.

What's actually damaging your eggs?

Two main things drive egg quality decline as we age:

The real version: A drop in mitochondrial function (the energy-producing parts of your cells) and a rise in oxidative stress (damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals). Eggs are uniquely vulnerable because each one contains around 100,000 mitochondria — more than any other cell in your body.

In plain English: Picture each of your eggs as a tiny house. That house needs two things to stay in great shape — electricity to power everything, and a cleaning crew to stop dirt, damage and "rust" from piling up. As we age, the power supply weakens and the mess builds up faster than the cleaners can handle.

Each of these three supplements plays a completely different role in keeping that little house in beautiful condition.

1. CoQ10 — the electricity

What it really does: CoQ10 is a natural compound found in every cell, especially in your mitochondria. It's a critical part of the process your cells use to produce energy (ATP). It's also a powerful antioxidant. Your body's natural CoQ10 production drops significantly from your mid-30s — right when fertility starts to decline.

In normal terms: CoQ10 is the electricity for your egg. Your eggs need a huge amount of power to mature, get fertilised and develop into a healthy embryo. Without enough CoQ10, the lights flicker. Top it up, and suddenly everything has the energy it needs to function properly.

The research: A 2024 meta-analysis of over 1,500 women undergoing IVF found CoQ10 significantly improved pregnancy rates, egg quality and embryo quality — especially in women with diminished ovarian reserve.

👉 Shop Vital Co-Enzyme Q10 (with vitamin E) here: https://www.fertilitycollection.co.za/products/vital-coenzyme-q10-fertility

✨ Coming soon: We're about to launch a new SOLAL CoQ10 with enhanced absorption — a game-changer for women who want even more out of their CoQ10. Get in touch to be first to know when it drops.

2. NAC — the cleaner

What it really does: N-Acetyl Cysteine is the building block your body needs to make glutathione, your "master antioxidant." You can't really take glutathione directly (your gut breaks it down). NAC is the workaround — you take NAC, your body uses it to make glutathione inside your cells, where it actually needs to be.

In normal terms: NAC is the cleaner. Your eggs sit in a fluid that needs to be kept spotless. Free radicals are like dust, grime and rust constantly building up. NAC gives your body what it needs to mix up the strongest cleaner it has — glutathione — and that cleaner gets to work scrubbing the damage away, inside and around the egg.

The research: NAC has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in follicular fluid, improve oocyte quality, and slow post-ovulatory egg ageing in animal studies, with emerging human research showing similar benefits. It's also widely studied for PCOS, endometriosis and unexplained infertility — all conditions where oxidative stress is a known driver.

👉 Shop JOOCE NAC here: https://www.fertilitycollection.co.za/products/jooce-nac-for-happy-health-hormones

3. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) — the team member who refreshes the supplies

What it really does: ALA is a fatty acid your body makes in small amounts. It's a one-of-a-kind antioxidant for two reasons. First, it works in both the watery and fatty parts of your cells (most antioxidants only work in one). Second, it has a rare ability to regenerate other antioxidants — including CoQ10 and glutathione — after they've been "used up."

In normal terms: ALA is the team member who washes the dirty mops and recharges the equipment. CoQ10 (the electricity) and glutathione (the cleaner) both get worn out as they work — picture a mop that's been used all day. ALA takes those dirty mops, freshens them back up, and hands them back to the crew so they can keep cleaning. Without ALA, your other antioxidants run out of steam faster than your body can replace them.

The research: ALA has been shown to reverse oxidative damage to eggs, improve the oocyte environment in women undergoing IVF, and is particularly powerful for women with PCOS due to its effect on insulin sensitivity.

👉 Shop SOLAL Alpha Lipoic Acid here: https://www.fertilitycollection.co.za/products/alpha-lipoic-acid

Why you need all three

This is the part most blogs miss.

CoQ10, NAC and ALA aren't doing the same job. They're three different jobs that rely on each other:

• CoQ10 powers everything
• NAC builds the cleaner that scrubs damage away
• ALA refreshes the cleaner and recharges the power so the whole system keeps running

Take just one, and you're getting partial benefit. Take all three, and they amplify each other. Research consistently shows the biggest improvements in egg quality come from tackling both energy and oxidative stress at the same time — and the full trio is the way to do that.

Already taking one of our baseline fertility products?

Some of our foundational fertility supplements (like our hormone-balancing range and core prenatal blends) already contain antioxidant support built in. If you're already on one of these, you may not need to stack a full set of additional supplements — but you may benefit from a targeted top-up.

Not sure where you stand? Drop us a message and our team will help you build the right stack for your stage of the journey whether you're early in TTC, prepping for IVF, or somewhere in between. We don't believe in selling you what you don't need.

When should you start?

It takes around 90 days for an egg to fully mature. That means whatever you do today is preparing the egg you'll release in roughly three months.

For this reason, fertility specialists worldwide recommend starting these supplements at least 3 months before you start trying to conceive or before an IVF cycle. The earlier, the better.

A very important note on dosages

The dosages mentioned in research are not a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Some women need less. Some need more. Some shouldn't take certain supplements at all (NAC can interact with certain medications, ALA can affect blood sugar, and CoQ10 can interact with blood pressure and blood-thinning meds).

Please always speak to your fertility specialist, GP or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement especially during fertility treatment or if you're on any medication. This blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take CoQ10, NAC and ALA together? Yes, they're commonly taken together and work better in combination. Always check with your healthcare provider first.

How long before I see results? Eggs take around 90 days to mature, so give the supplements at least 3 months. Most specialists recommend 3–6 months before TTC or IVF.

Are these safe during IVF? Most fertility specialists support all three before and during IVF stimulation, but every protocol is different. Always confirm with your fertility doctor.

Do I still need a prenatal? Yes,  these support egg quality but don't replace the folate, iron, choline and other essentials in a quality prenatal. They work alongside your prenatal, not instead of it.

Can my partner take them too? Absolutely, all three are also strongly researched for sperm quality, motility and DNA integrity. Many couples take them together.

The bottom line

Egg quality isn't something you can change overnight, but it is something you can influence and the science behind CoQ10, NAC and Alpha Lipoic Acid is some of the strongest we have in the fertility space.

Power. Protection. Recovery. Used together, this trio gives your eggs the very best environment to thrive.

Ready to take the next step? Shop our full antioxidant range or chat to our team for personalised guidance. You don't have to figure this out alone, that's what we're here for.

Research & References

1. Lin G, Li X, Yie SLJ, Xu L. (2024). Clinical evidence of coenzyme Q10 pretreatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF/ICSI: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of Medicine, 56(1).
2. Wang Y, Li L, Fan LH, et al. (2019). N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) delays post-ovulatory oocyte ageing in mouse. Aging (Albany NY).
3. Fan L, et al. (2022). N-Acetylcysteine improves oocyte quality through modulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 34, 736–750.
4. Zhang M, Sun L, et al. (2022). Alpha-lipoic acid supplementation restores the meiotic competency and fertilisation capacity of porcine oocytes induced by arsenite. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology.
5. Di Tucci C, et al. (2021). Alpha lipoic acid in obstetrics and gynaecology. Gynecological Endocrinology, 37(6), 482–489.
6. Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. (1995). Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 19(2), 227–250.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with your fertility specialist or healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, particularly during fertility treatment or pregnancy.