Ep 183. Fertility and Plant Based Diets

Today's episode stems from a question from a client.

Amanda (name changed for anonymity) states "I have been vegan for a few years, and would like to get pregnant, are there any nutritional considerations or nutrients of concern to think about?

After practicing as a dietitian for almost 3 decades, I have seen many different clients and scenarios in varying stages of life. I have seen people, who avoid all animal products have a more difficult time getting their critical nutrients to help with fertility. That goes for both sides of the equation with the sperm and egg, plus uterine lining for healthy implantation and placental health.

It's like growing a garden and starting with healthy soil and optimal seeds for the growth and development of a healthy fetus.

We discuss vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin B12, iron and many others.

We know that some individuals have more difficulty with converting beta-carotene sources to retinol due to a risk variant of a certain gene, such as BCMO1 (two in five people have the risk variant of this important gene)

Beta-carotene mono-oxygenase 1 (BCMO1) is an enzyme that plays a key role in the conversion of beta-carotene into the active form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the plant form of vitamin A. Individuals who possess the GG version of the BCMO1 gene are inefficient at converting beta-carotene into the active form of vitamin A. These individuals need to ensure they are consuming adequate amounts of vitamin A, particularly preformed vitamin A, which comes from animal sources of food, such as eggs and fish.

How do you know if you are one of the 2/5 people with this risk variant? A Nutrigenomic test helps determine over 70 different genes that affect how your body processes certain nutrients. It's a great way to 'eat for your genes' and helps with customizing how you can ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs based on your genetics.

Vitamin B12 is also a nutrient of concern for individuals, who do not include animal sources of food. Many vegans supplement with vitamin B12 to get adequate amounts to be healthy.

We discuss many other nutrients of concern (while avoiding all animal products) and discuss some strategies to use, if fertility is important for you.

If you are interested in having a Nutrigenomics test done, contact Sandra at mywifetherd@gmail.com with subject line 'Eating for your genes' and we can help support this request.

Episodes mentioned include:

Episode 2 Challenges and Opportunities with Pre-teen Vegetarian

https://youtu.be/h5rThX-Q-HE?si=qg6O5Ak8X3jrE9Cj

Ep 48 Vegan for Runners - Scott Fickerson

https://youtu.be/vsk4Ze8xNB8?si=7TEtek8XEuVcB1m7

Episode 92 - Pescatarian Diet Plan with Cara Harbstreet, RD

https://youtu.be/ky5JkCOBJ3I?si=blhJLQxxuQVqqSO8

Nutrition Nuggets 66 - Plant- Based Meats vs Real Meat

https://youtu.be/cfWvHkvDq80?si=47pl6LaqrNJnjha5

Ep 85 Plant-Powered Protein with author Vesanto Melina, RD

https://youtu.be/fXZSiYC5XPI?si=1YvzCWSVBSk3jA44

Nutrition Nuggets 73 - How Many Plant Foods in your Breakfast?

https://youtu.be/lej7xHKwEcw?si=Yk_RsxKVH1dv1_qs

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Website: www.mywifethedietitian.com

Email: mywifetherd@gmail.com