Chapter 2: Preconception Nutrition I

Question 1

Infertility

Answer 1

Involuntary absence of production of children.

Question 2

Infecundity

Answer 2

Biological inability to bear children after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Question 3

Fertility

Answer 3

Actual production of children. The word best applies to specific vital statistic rates, but it is commonly taken to mean the ability to bear children.

Question 4

Fecundity

Answer 4

Biological ability to bear children.

Question 5

Miscarriage

Answer 5

Generally defined as the loss of a conceptus in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Also called spontaneous abortion.

Question 6

Endocrine

Answer 6

A system of ductless glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes, that produces secretions that affect body functions.

Question 7

Immunological

Answer 7

Having to do with the immune system and its functions in protecting the body from bacterial, viral, fungal, or other infections and from foreign proteins (i.e. those proteins that differ from proteins normally found in the body).

Question 8

Subfertility

Answer 8

Reduced level of fertility characterized by unusually long time to conception (over 12 months) or repeated early pregnancy losses. Examples are women who experience multiple miscarriages, men who have sperm abnormalities, and women who ovulate infrequently. Can be diminished by improvements in diet, weight status, and lifestyle.

Question 9

Puberty

Answer 9

The period in life during which humans become biologically capable of reproduction.

Question 10

Ova

Answer 10

Eggs of the female produced and stored within the ovaries.

Question 11

Menopause

Answer 11

Cessation of the menstrual cycle and reproductive capacity in females.

Question 12

Menstrual Cycle

Answer 12

An approximately 4-week interval in which hormones direct a build up of blood and nutrient stores within the wall of the uterus and ovum maturation and release. The first day of the cycle is when menses, or blood flow, begins. The first half of the cycle is called the follicular phase; the last 14 days is the luteal phase.

Question 13

Pituitary Gland

Answer 13

A pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is connected to the hypothalamus and produces and secretes growth hormone, prolactin, oxytocin, FSH, LH, and other hormones in response to signals from the hypothalamus.

Question 14

Prostaglandins

Answer 14

A group of phsiologically active substances derived from the essential fatty acids. They are present in many tissues and perform such functions as the constriction or dilation of blood vessels and stimulation of smooth muscles and the uterus.

Question 15

Androgens

Answer 15

Types of steroid hormones produced in the testes, ovaries, and adrenal cortex from cholesterol. Some androgens stimulate development and functioning of male sex organs.

Question 16

Leptin

Answer 16

A protein secreted by fat cells that, by binding to specific receptor sites in the hypothalamus, decreases appetite, increases energy expenditure, and stimulates gonadotropin secretion. Leptin levels are elevated by high, and reduced by low, levels of body fat.

Question 17

Anovulatory Cycles

Answer 17

Menstrual cycles in which ovulation does not occur.

Question 18

Amenorrhea

Answer 18

Absence of menstrual cycle.

Question 19

Hypothalamic Amenorrhea

Answer 19

Amenorrhea caused by a 10-15% weight loss in normal weight women which decreases estrogen, LH, and FSH concentrations. About 30% of cases of impaired fertility are related to this.

Question 20

BMI Extremes

Answer 20

30 causes reduced fertility

Question 21

Weight Loss

Answer 21

10-15% loss if usual weight in normal weight women causes decreased estrogen levels, LH and FSH and promotes changes in menstrual cycles.

Question 22

High Fiber Vegan Diets

Answer 22

Decreases circulating estrogen. <20% kcals from fat causes longer menstrual cycle which decreases fertility. Increased fiber diets have been shown to reduce estrogen levels. Soy foods may increase cycle length.

Question 23

Poor Iron Status

Answer 23

Linked to decreased fertility. Other pregnancy/infant outcomes are impacted.

Question 24

Caffeine

Answer 24

Impact on fertility is negligible with MODERATE intake (studies showed mixed results). Intake >300-500 mg qd might delay conception.

Question 25

Alcohol Intake

Answer 25

May decrease estrogen and testosterone levels and delay conception.

Question 26

Oral Contraceptives

Answer 26

Increase LDL, TG and increases risk of blood clots, CVD and cervical cancer as well as increased insulin/glucose.

Question 27

Substances that may decrease sperm number, motility, and morphology…

Answer 27

Zinc deficiency
Antioxidant deficiency
Heavy metals like mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese
Glycols (solvents, antifreeze)
Hormones
Heat 
Steroid abuse
ETOH
High intake of soy foods