Fertility Advice
Reproductive Nutrition
Women should enter pregnancy in the best possible health – did you know that dietary changes in the months leading up to conception can have a significant impact on fertility success!
We know that most women of reproductive age are not meeting requirements for folate, iron or iodine. Improvement in nutritional status prior to conception can help avoid delays to conception and support ovulation.
So what are the key nutrients to pay attention to?
You may have heard a lot about ‘folic acid’ and this is the main nutrient to focus on. Whilst it is certainly important to consume adequate folate during your pregnancy, there are actually many other nutrients that are just as important when trying to conceive and optimise your fertility! There are at least 12 nutrients that require close attention during your fertility journey. Some of these are nutrients like selenium, iodine, iron, folate, vitamin D, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, choline, zinc and magnesium.
Best way to eat - Mediterranean
Health issues and how they impact fertility
Several health issues can impact the reproductive system. Things like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Hashimoto’s, diabetes, insulin resistance, carrying excess weight, endometriosis and unfortunately being over 37 years old (advanced maternal age), all impact our fertility.
Many of these conditions or factors can upset the hormonal balance in our bodies which may lead to a lack of ovulation, compromised egg quality, delay in egg maturation, or cause low grade inflammation in the body, all of which reduce our chances of conceiving.
However, don’t despair! There is SO much we can improve with specific nutrition! In a matter of 3-6 months you can positively change your egg quality, reduce insulin resistance and inflammation, and increase your changes of natural conception or successful IVF outcomes!