Pre-conception Flashcards
What is fertility?
Actual production of children (although commonly used to refer to the ability to bear children - see ‘fecundity’)
What is infertility?
Failure to conceive after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same partner
What is subfertility?
Reduced level of fertility characterised by unusually long time to conception (over 12 months) or repeated, early pregnancy losses
What is fecundity?
Biological ability to bear children
What is infecundity?
Biological inability to bear children after 1 year of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same partner
What is miscarriage?
The loss of a foetus in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Also known as ‘spontaneous abortion’.
What do unfavourable conditions at pre conception lead to?
Adaptation
Suspension of reproductive function (infertility)
What percentage of cases of infertility are due to male physiological factors and what does that mean for nutritionists?
Whilst we often associate infertility with women, male physiological factors have been shown to be responsible for ∼25% of cases. We therefore must consider the health, wellbeing and nutritional status of both partners.
Se and sperm?
Se appears to have positive effect on sperm by increasing glutathione peroxidase-1 activity an antioxidant enzyme which scavenges hydrogen peroxide and quenches reactive oxygen species. Sperm are particularly susceptible to oxidative stress.
Zn and sperm?
Zn acts as a membrane-stabilizing source by inhibiting membrane-bound oxidative enzymes such as NAD(P) oxidase, which increases sperm concentration and motility. Zn is also required for correct sperm DNA condensation/descondensation. Some studies suggest that chromatin stability of the ejaculated human spermatozoon is Zn-regulated and that Zn controls the formation of disulfide bridges. Low content of sperm chromatin zinc has been related with some cases of male infertility
Omega 3 and sperm?
Studies suggest that they act by modifying the cell membrane composition through their incorporation into the spermatozoa cell membrane, helping functionality of the cell.
CoQ10 and sperm?
can inhibit organic peroxide formation in seminal fluid, reducing sperm OS and increasing the sperm quality
Food sources of selenium?
Many whole grains and dairy products, including milk and yogurt, are good sources of selenium. …
Pork, beef, turkey, chicken, fish, shellfish, and eggs contain high amounts of selenium.
Food sources of zinc?
Whole grains and milk products are good sources of zinc. Many ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with zinc.
Oysters, red meat, and poultry are excellent sources of zinc. Baked beans, chickpeas, and nuts (such as cashews and almonds) also contain zinc.
Carnitines and sperm?
Carnitines, such as L-acetyl carnitine (LAC) and L-carnitine (LC), act as a transporter of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria providing energy for use by spermatozoa.
Food sources of carnitines?
Red meat and in smaller amounts in chicken, milk and dairy products, fish, beans, and avocado.
Fruit and veg and sperm?
High in antioxidants which can act as sperm ROS regulators reducing sperm DNA damage and increasing sperm motility and vitality. Also high in folate which may have an important role in spermatogenesis. folate-deficient diets could result in an alteration of sperm DNA methylation at genes implicated in development and some metabolic processes.
Fibre and sperm?
fibre consumption could reduce plasma estrogen levels. This is important, because high estrogen levels could disrupt endocrine homeostasis, which is essential for normal spermatogenesis
Why might breakfast cereals be good for conception?
they are commonly fortified with antioxidants and minerals which are helpful for conception.
What should red meat be substituted for to improve sperm quality? What is a pontential down side of this.
Fish which is helpful because it is high in omega 3. However, these beneficial effects can be negatively affected by the high concentration of some environmentally-persistent organic pollutants in the fish, as well as mercury (Hg) and other neuro-toxic elements.
Poultry’s effect on sperm?
Positive effect on sperm although has to be interpreted cautiously because of the different use of antibiotics in different places. Researchers are unable to explain why poultry was beneficial.
Are dairy products good for sperm?
Full-fat dairy is bad for sperm, but low fat dairy is good. Low-fat and skimmed milk consumption have been associated with increased levels of insulin, probably via increasing levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), animal studies indicated that subcutaneous insulin administration may increase sperm motility and concentration.
What kind of nuts should you have to improve sperm quality?
A mix (probably almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts) because it reduces DNA fragmentation in sperm.
What two diets are helpful for sperm?
prudent diet, which is characterised by a high consumption of fruit, vegetables, fish, legumes, poultry, and whole grains. Mediterranean diet (MD) is characterized by a high consumption of olive oil, nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole cereals, along with a moderate consumption of fish, poultry and wine
All the benefits of folate/folic acid for pregnancy? Potential concerns?
Folate, involved in the synthesis of DNA, is crucial in gametogenesis, fertilization, and pregnancy. Therefore, folate (natural form of vitamin B9) or folic acid (synthetic form of vitamin B9) may play an important role in human reproduction. Prevents NTDs and is no longer associated with spontaneous abortion.
What does vitamin D do and what could it potentially be helpful in?
vitamin D stimulates ovarian steroid synthesis, promotes follicular maturation, and regulates gene expression involved in successful
implantation, and its deficiency may be involved in the development of PCOS. Deficiency related to worse ART outcomes but not worse regular fertilisation
What are the recommendations for men before conception? and why?
The male sperm cycle is thought to be 74 days +/- 4.5 days so at least 2 - 3 months prior to intended time of conception consume a balanced and varied diet moderate alcohol intake
Correct grossly abnormal body weight (BMI at upper end of normal range) Normal range is 18.5- 24.9
What are the recommendations for women before conception?
Consume a balanced and varied diet
Correct grossly abnormal weight well in advance of conception (at least 4 months)
BMI at upper end of normal range at most
Stop smoking
Moderate alcohol intake
Commence folate supplementation at least 3 months prior to conception
What might increase ovulatory function in PCOS women but appears to be unrelated in healthy regularly menstruating women?
Reduction in dietary carbohydrates among PCOS women improved insulin sensitivity and decreased circulating testosterone levels, potentially enhancing ovulatory function.
Whole grains and fertility?
Whole grains have phytic acid, vitamins, and selenium, which have antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial effects on glucose metabolism, this could boost fertility because insulin resistance and oxidative damage have been implicated in the pathogenesis of subfertility. Lignan in whole grains may exert reproductive benefits. Whole grains eaten before preconception were related to more live births.
Omega 3 and trans-fat’s relationship with pregnancy?
fatty acids are used as energy during oocyte maturation and early embryo development, and they serve as critical precursors for a variety of substrates playing a vital role in implantation and pregnancy maintenance. Trans fatty acids increase insulin resistance, adversely affecting the ovulation, however research is mixed. Increased long-chain u-3 PUFA intake was associated with increases in luteal progesterone concentration, long-chain u-3 PUFA (fish) was associated with increased ovary estrogen and lower risk of anovulation, taken together, higher u-3 PUFA and lower trans fatty acid intake may enhance female fertility.
What meat was bad for ART outcomes?
blastocyst formation following ART was decreased among patients consuming more red meat