Understanding the 'Anti-Sterility Vitamin': What vitamin is known as an anti-sterility vitamin?

October 19, 2025 •

3 min read

In 1922, scientists discovered a dietary factor essential for reproduction in rats, a substance they named tocopherol, from Greek words meaning "childbirth" and "to bear". This established the historical moniker for what vitamin is known as an anti-sterility vitamin and sparked decades of research into its role in fertility.

Quick Summary

Vitamin E, historically called the anti-sterility vitamin due to animal studies, is a powerful antioxidant benefiting human reproductive health. It combats oxidative stress, protecting sperm and egg quality while supporting hormone balance and cellular function. Found in nuts, seeds, and oils, dietary intake is preferred over potentially risky high-dose supplements.

Key Points

Vitamin E is the anti-sterility vitamin: This name originated from early animal studies demonstrating its necessity for reproduction in rats.
Its main function is as an antioxidant: Vitamin E protects cells, including reproductive cells like sperm and eggs, from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.
Benefits male and female fertility: In men, it protects sperm quality and enhances motility; in women, it supports egg quality, hormone balance, and uterine health.
Found in whole foods: Excellent dietary sources include nuts (almonds), seeds (sunflower), vegetable oils (wheat germ), and green leafy vegetables (spinach).
Supplements should be used with caution: High-dose vitamin E supplements may increase the risk of bleeding and should be discussed with a healthcare professional, unlike the vitamin E consumed from food.
Deficiency is rare in healthy people: Most people get sufficient vitamin E through their diet unless they have a fat malabsorption disorder, which is the most common cause of deficiency.

The historical discovery of the "anti-sterility vitamin"

The term "anti-sterility vitamin" originated from animal research in the 1920s. Scientists Herbert Evans and Katherine Bishop observed that female rats on certain diets had reproductive failures, which were corrected by adding specific plant components. This led to the identification of a new fat-soluble factor, later named vitamin E or tocopherol. The name tocopherol comes from Greek words meaning "childbirth" and "to bear," reflecting its initial association with reproduction.

The powerful antioxidant function of vitamin E

While the direct anti-sterility effect observed in deficient rats hasn't been definitively proven in healthy humans, vitamin E's role as a potent antioxidant is crucial to its reproductive benefits. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from damage caused by oxidative stress from free radicals. Reproductive cells like eggs and sperm are particularly susceptible to this damage due to the fatty acids in their membranes.

Vitamin E's role in male and female fertility

Vitamin E's antioxidant properties are beneficial for reproductive health in both men and women.

For Men:

Protects sperm quality: By neutralizing free radicals, vitamin E helps maintain the integrity of sperm.
Enhances sperm motility: It may help remove free radicals that hinder sperm movement.
Supports testosterone production: Adequate intake might help regulate testosterone levels important for sperm production.

For Women:

Protects egg quality: Vitamin E helps shield eggs from oxidative damage, particularly important as women age.
Maintains hormonal balance: It supports hormone-producing glands, helping maintain levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Supports uterine health: Research suggests vitamin E can improve blood flow to the uterine lining.

Sourcing vitamin E: Diet vs. supplements

Getting enough vitamin E is usually possible through a balanced diet. While supplementation is an option, high doses can be risky.

Food sources of vitamin E

Good dietary sources include:

Nuts and seeds: Such as sunflower seeds and almonds.
Vegetable oils: Including wheat germ and sunflower oils.
Green leafy vegetables: Like spinach and broccoli.
Fruits: Such as avocados and mangoes.
Fish: Fatty fish like salmon are also a source.

Supplementation considerations

Supplements may be necessary for those with malabsorption issues. However, high-dose supplements can increase bleeding risk and may not offer the same benefits as dietary sources.

Comparison of Vitamin E Sources


Feature	Dietary Sources (Whole Foods)	Vitamin E Supplements
Composition	Contains a mix of different vitamin E forms and other nutrients.	Often contains a single form, usually alpha-tocopherol.
Absorption	More effective absorption, especially with fats.	Absorption can be less efficient.
Safety	Generally safe; body regulates intake.	High doses carry risks like increased bleeding.
Benefits	Provides synergistic benefits from multiple nutrients.	Can treat deficiencies but lacks the comprehensive benefits of food.

Conclusion

Vitamin E earned the name "anti-sterility vitamin" from early animal studies, but its primary benefit for human reproductive health lies in its powerful antioxidant action. It protects reproductive cells from oxidative stress, supporting fertility in both men and women. The best way to get enough vitamin E is through a diet rich in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy greens. High-dose supplements should be used cautiously and under medical guidance due to potential risks, and should not replace nutrient-rich food. A balanced diet provides numerous nutrients that support overall and reproductive health. For more details, refer to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vitamin E was given this name after experiments in 1922 showed that it was necessary for reproduction in rats. The name 'tocopherol' itself comes from Greek words related to childbirth.

While vitamin E's powerful antioxidant properties can benefit reproductive health by protecting cells, conclusive evidence that supplements can cure infertility in humans is lacking. Most evidence is derived from animal studies or focuses on specific aspects of reproductive function.

As a potent antioxidant, vitamin E helps neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage through a process called oxidative stress. This protection is especially crucial for vulnerable reproductive cells like sperm and eggs.

Some of the richest food sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower oil, and green leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli.

Yes, high-dose vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of bleeding and may interfere with blood-clotting factors. For this reason, supplemental intake should be monitored by a healthcare professional and is not recommended for everyone.

Severe vitamin E deficiency, which is rare in healthy people, can lead to neurological problems and has been historically linked to reproductive issues in animals. The effects on human fertility are less clear, but insufficient intake could contribute to oxidative stress that negatively impacts reproductive health.

It is generally recommended to get vitamin E from food sources. Whole foods provide a mix of different tocopherol forms and other nutrients that work synergistically. Unlike supplements, food sources do not pose the same risk of toxicity from high doses.