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The diet and fertility conversation -

When it comes to diet and fertility, everyone seems to have an opinion. In online chat rooms, there is plenty of talk about foods that magically increase your chances of conceiving.

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The role of marketing -

There are also many supplements out there that are alleged to be fertility-boosting, as well as foods that are marketed as promoting a healthy pregnancy.

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Cutting through the noise -

Amid all the noise, it can be difficult to focus on the facts. What actual evidence is there for nutrients that can increase fertility in both men and women?

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Folic acid -

It is worth noting in the first instance that there certainly are nutrients, most notably folic acid, that can promote a healthy pregnancy.

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Important role -

Folic acid has been shown to reduce the risk of anencephaly (a birth defect in the baby’s brain) and spina bifida, when taken before and during pregnancy.

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CDC recommendation -

In fact, folic acid is so important to the development of a healthy fetus that the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all women of reproductive age take 400mg each day.

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Folic acid and getting pregnant - Folic acid has been proven to promote a healthy pregnancy, but further trials are needed to establish whether it can actually help couples become pregnant in the first place.

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Other foods -

But what about other foods? Are there any particular nutrients that have been shown to increase fertility? And, if so, why?

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No magic fix -

According to fertility experts, there is no single magic food that will solve all your fertility issues. However, diet can indeed play a beneficial role in the process of getting pregnant.

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Shifting narrative -

Traditionally, the discussion has been around which foods can help promote female fertility. Recently, however, the discussion has shifted to focus more on male fertility.

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Meat consumption -

In a 2015 study of couples undergoing IVF, men’s meat consumption, in particular the type of meat they consume, had a measurable effect on fertilization rates.

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Poultry vs. processed -

Overall, eating more poultry had a positive effect on fertility, whereas eating more processed meat (such as bacon and sausages) had a negative effect.

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Results -

Indeed, the men who ate the least processed meat, averaging fewer than 1.5 servings per week, had an 82% chance of conceiving with their partner.

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Results -

The men who ate the most processed meats, on the other hand, had only a 54% chance of achieving pregnancy with their partner.

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Continued influence -

Research also shows that even after conception, a father’s diet may indirectly influence the healthy development of the baby.

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Queensland study -

According to one study from the University of Queensland in Australia, the men’s diets strongly influenced those of the women's, thereby indirectly impacting the baby.

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Working together -

It seems, therefore, that the dietary intake of the couple should be taken as a whole, and that any changes should be tackled together as a team.

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Healthy fats -

One change that has been shown to be beneficial is to increase the amount of healthy fats in the couple’s diet.

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Where to find them -

Healthy fats are those that can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, salmon, avocado, and olive oil. They may well be good for fertility.

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Non-healthy fats -

Trans fatty acids, by contrast, are associated with a higher risk of infertility. These fats are found in foods such as margarine, donuts, and fried and processed items.

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Plant-based diet -

It may also be the case that a diet rich in plants is beneficial for fertility. Researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a study on this topic.

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The study -

The study in question looked at the diets of 18,555 women over eight years, as they tried to become pregnant, or succeeded in getting pregnant.

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The results -

Results showed that consuming plant-based proteins rather than meat-based proteins was linked with a more than 50% lower risk of ovulatory infertility.

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Alcohol -

When it comes to alcohol, the advice is clear across the board. There is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.

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Easy advice -

That is true for all types of alcohol, whether beer, wine, or something stronger. The advice from health experts is to avoid it altogether.

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Conclusion -

Overall, then, it seems that while there are certain foods that can play a positive role in the fertility journey, there is no one magic fix.

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Unnecessary stress -

Infertility, like many things to do with the human body, is complex, and obsessing over your diet can cause unnecessary levels of stress.

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See an expert -

If you are planning a pregnancy, it is a good idea to consult a clinical dietitian, particularly if you have specific questions about your diet and how it may affect your fertility.

Sources: (BBC)

See also: Pregnancy myths people still believe

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