Many factors can lead to infertility in both men and women, and the condition requires proper medical diagnosis.
Isabel Gómez
Global Marketing Manager, Lubrizol Nutraceuticals
Lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, stress, and obesity negatively impact fertility. Delayed conception age and exposure to environmental pollutants also affect gamete quality and quantity.
Diet plays a crucial role in female fertility. Diets high in trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars can harm fertility, while those rich in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals can enhance it. Key nutrients for improving fertility include folic acid, calcium, iodine, iron, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12. Sometimes, supplementation is necessary to meet these nutritional needs.
Anemia and folate deficiency can cause secondary infertility. The World Health Organization reports that 40% of women of reproductive age suffer from iron deficiency anemia, which should be treated before infertility treatments. Iron deficiency reduces oxygen supply to tissues, including the ovaries and uterus, and is linked to ovulatory infertility, miscarriage, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. It can also cause implantation failure, leading to premature birth.
During pregnancy, iron needs increase, and deficiency is associated with higher risks of placental problems, spontaneous abortion, and premature birth.
Older women face additional risks when trying to conceive. Egg quality deteriorates with age, and inflammatory processes and other health issues become more likely. Bone and muscle recovery during and after pregnancy may be slower. Ensuring adequate nutrient intake is crucial to minimize risks at conception and during pregnancy.
Mineral supplements, like iron, can pose challenges due to reactivity, taste, and side effects. Microencapsulation improves the stability, bioavailability, and effectiveness of these nutrients, reducing adverse effects and enhancing consumer adherence to supplements.
To find the right nutraceutical for you, visit lubrizol.com/Health/Nutraceuticals
