The most important nutrients and vitamins to consider during pregnancy
The risk of infertility in women and men is increased by inadequate levels of intake of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, selenium, vitamin D, and zinc. The risk of infertility may also be increased by low levels of intakes of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
?Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium.
Sperm are rich in polyunsaturated fats, the type found in oils. These fats break down when exposed to oxygen and other reactive chemicals normally present in the body. Antioxidants protect polyunsaturated fats from breaking down and help maintain normal sperm production,
structure, and functions. Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium protect the polyunsaturated fats in sperm from breakdown due to their action as antioxidants. Several studies have identif ied improvements in sperm concentration, structure, and motility in men who have corrected def iciencies of these nutrients.
?Zinc.
Zinc def iciency has long been known to cause infertility in males. A lack of zinc decreases testosterone production and sperm number and motility. Bringing zinc levels up to normal helps restore fertility.
?Vitamin D.
It appears that a surprisingly high number of women and men in the United States are receiving too little vitamin D from foods and the sun. Poor vitamin D status has many health effects, and the list now includes an effect on fertility. Infertile men with low sperm count are more likely to have low blood levels of vitamin D than men with normal sperm counts.
?EPA and DHA.
These omega-3 fatty acids participate in eggdevelopment and hormone production in women and in spermdevelopment in men. Most U.S. adults who dislike f ish or seafood or who eat it infrequently have low intakes. Initial research results suggest that adequate intake of EPA and DHA may help prevent infertility related to hormone production and sperm development.
?Excess exposure to heavy metals for men.
Men exposed to high levels of lead and mercury may experience infertility due topoor functioning sperm. High blood levels of lead can result from working in smelting and battery factories and from ingesting excess mercury from contaminated fish
Summary : Life is too short and our window of opportunity is shrinking, so it’s best to throw every we have into the ring. When we do this miracles happen, anyone can greatly increase their chances of having a healthy baby at any age by taking the right vitamins and food nutrients.
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