Increased Fertility via Novel Use of Lipoic Acid

NDSU Research Foundation
posted on 12/06/2011

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Fertility is an issue for all domestic livestock species, endangered species, and humans, and embryonic losses are highest in the earliest stages of gestation. There is a tremendous economic loss associated with reduced fertility in livestock species. It is known that progesterone plays a major role in pregnancy and embryonic health and development in both livestock and humans. NDSU researchers have developed a novel approach which introduces lipoic acid as a feed supplement that increases fertility by helping to maintain progesterone levels in the blood.

Improved fertility

•Method reduces insulin sensitivity which can lead to a harmful decrease in progesterone levels and loss of fertility. •Lipoic acid is an inexpensive, non-invasive means to increase fertility. •Administration of lipoic acid compositions may be achieved via several routes, including parenteral (intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous), oral (inhalation), transdermal (topical), transmucosal and rectal. •Composition agents can be used to achieve improvements in absorption rates, carrier capabilities, penetration, etc.