Resveratrol supplementation and assisted reproduction outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

2026-07
European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology 323
- Maria Julia Lemos
- Juliana Almeida Oliveira
- Laura Fonseca Queiroz
- Nicole Velasco Campos
- Flávia Ribeiro de Oliveira

PubMed: 42150354
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2026.115193

Study Design

Type: Meta-Analysis
Sample size: n = 411
Population: women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Methods: systematic review and meta-analysis following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, with prospective registration in PROSPERO (CRD420251238442); PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched up to November 2025 without language restrictions; included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies; effect sizes were pooled using random-effects models

Importance

Resveratrol is a mitochondrial-targeted nutraceutical with antioxidant and anti-aging properties that has been proposed as an adjuvant to optimize assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes. However, its clinical efficacy, optimal dosing, and applicability across different female reproductive profiles remain uncertain.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of resveratrol supplementation on reproductive outcomes in women undergoing ART compared with no resveratrol use, and to explore potential modifiers such as age, BMI, ovarian reserve, dosing, and treatment duration.

Data sources

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines, with prospective registration in PROSPERO (CRD420251238442). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched up to November 2025 without language restrictions.

Study selection and synthesis

Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies of women undergoing ART receiving resveratrol alone or with vitamins versus no resveratrol, reporting at least one reproductive outcome. Effect sizes were pooled using random-effects models according to heterogeneity.

Main outcomes

Primary outcomes were defined as biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR). We also assessed as secondary outcomes the number of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, developed mature follicles (>16 mm), fertilization rate, number of embryos, serum dosage of gonadotropins, miscarriage rate (MR), and number of high-quality embryos.

Results

A total of 7 studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis comprising 3.411 patients, of which 274 (8%) were supplemented with resveratrol. Resveratrol supplementation was associated with higher fertilization rates (MD 2.89; 95% CI 1.68 to 4.10; p<0.01; I²=0%). No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth. Subgroup analysis suggested an increased number of mature oocytes in women < 35 years, whereas women ≥ 35 years showed no consistent benefit. Meta-regression indicated age-related declines in reproductive outcomes and only modest.

Conclusion and relevance

Despite statistically significant improvement in fertilization rates, resveratrol supplementation during assisted reproductive technology does not translate to higher pregnancy establishment or live birth rates. Evidence of age-dependent and dose-dependent effects requires confirmation in larger, better-designed trials.

Research Insights

Resveratrol→Improved Biochemical Pregnancy Rate
No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Resveratrol→Improved Clinical Pregnancy Rate
No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Resveratrol→Improved Fertilization Rate
Resveratrol supplementation was associated with higher fertilization rates (MD 2.89; 95% CI 1.68 to 4.10; p<0.01; I²=0%).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Resveratrol→Improved Live Birth Rate
No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Resveratrol→Increased Embryo Count
No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Resveratrol→Increased High-Quality Embryo Count
No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Resveratrol→Increased Mature Oocyte Number
No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Resveratrol→Increased Retrieved Oocyte Count
No significant differences were observed in the number of retrieved or mature oocytes, number of embryos, biochemical or clinical pregnancy, high-quality embryos, or live birth.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small