The fertility podcast recommended various supplements taken once or twice per day, such as L Carnitine (supplemented w/garlic), CoQ10, & Shilajit (for men specifically). Is there any negative consequence of intermixing the intake of L Carnitine+garlic (1000 mg & 600 mg respectively) and CoQ10 (200 mg) every other day (for my wife and I), and taking the shilajit (at 200 mg) once per day (me only) instead of twice per day? My primary objective is to limit our body's dependency on these supplements for when we ultimately have successful insemination, and reduce potential for any toxicity levels, while still benefitting from their reproductive benefits. My wife raised a reasonable counterpoint that such a regimen might confuse her body at a time she is trying to maintain homeostasis for successful insemination. Thoughts?

Andrew Huberman has discussed the interplay between supplements like L-carnitine, CoQ10, shilajit, and fertility. Here are his insights and advice relevant to your concerns:

1. Combination of L Carnitine and Garlic: Oral L-carnitine increases TMAO levels, which can stiffen arteries. To counter this, 600 mg of garlic (allicin) per day can be taken to offset TMAO's effects 1 2.

2. Dosage and Frequency: The general recommendation for L-carnitine is 1-3 grams per day for 30 days before conception attempts. It's vital for sperm motility and egg health 1. CoQ10 dosage ranges from 100 to 400 mg per day and should be taken with a meal containing fats to enhance absorption 3.

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     1

     Improving Fertility

     03:51:23
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     2

     Boosting Fertility

     04:08:51
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     3

     Fertility Supplements

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     4

     Hormones and Supplements

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     5

     L-Carnitine Insights

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3. Effects of Supplements Across Menstrual Cycle: Women's hormonal cycles can cause varying reactions to supplements. Some women benefit from adjusting dosages of supplements like shilajit, depending on their menstrual phase. Tight control over dosage and individual ingredients is crucial to avoid negative effects 4.

4. Shilajit's Use: Shilajit, enriched with fulvic acid, impacts testosterone and fertility positively, but its use and dosage should be monitored carefully, and consulting a physician is advised 2.

Natalie Crawford: also emphasizes combining L-carnitine with a multivitamin and CoQ10 for enhancing reproductive health, especially in males 5. This "sperm enhancement protocol" can be beneficial, but individual adjustments may be necessary for females, particularly those with endometriosis, due to their unique inflammatory environment 5.

Key Considerations

• Dependency and Toxicity: Using these supplements intermittently, as you suggested, might help reduce dependency and potential toxicity while still offering reproductive benefits.
• Consistency and Homeostasis: For your wife, maintaining a consistent supplement schedule might be more beneficial to avoid hormonal fluctuations and maintain homeostasis. Consulting with a healthcare provider to tailor the regimen to her cycle may prove advantageous.

Ultimately, adapting the supplement regimen based on individual responses and consultation with a healthcare provider is the best approach.