Sperm Abnormalities Due to Low Folate Intake

A study published in the Journal Human Reproduction has reported that a diet low in folate leads to a higher risk of sperm abnormalities that may cause birth defects like Down's Syndrome or miscarriage.

Numerous studies have advocated women of child bearing age, who are pregnant or thinking about having a baby should supplement 400mcg of folic acid, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. However, researchers are now stressing the importance of folate in men’s diet as low folate levels can be the cause of abnormal sperm.

The researchers found that several micronutrients were associated with a lower frequency of different abnormalities. High folic acid intake was associated with 19% fewer abnormalities (all types) than moderate intake and 20% fewer than men with a low micronutrient intake. There were also reductions in specific types of abnormality. For example, there were 26% fewer sperm with no sex chromosome in the high-intake group compared with the low-intake group. There were also 30% fewer sperm with two X chromosomes (associated with triple X syndrome) and abnormalities on chromosome 21 (associated with Down’s syndrome) in the high-intake group compared with the moderate-intake group.

High total zinc intake reduced the frequency of two X chromosomes by about 50% compared with the moderate-intake group and 39% compared with the low-intake group. Zinc was not associated with lowering the risk of other abnormalities. Vitamin C and vitamin E had no association with sperm abnormalities, but high beta-carotene intake reduced YY abnormalities.

The message is clear, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, a man’s diet is just an important as that of his partner when planning to have a baby.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown. Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your fertility and diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Now I’m pregnant why am I sleeping so badly?

One of the reasons for fatigue and sleep problems during pregnancy are changing hormone levels, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. For example, rising progesterone levels may partly explain excessive daytime sleepiness, especially in the first trimester.

However, according to the National Sleep Foundation, several sleep disorders can be caused or made worse by pregnancy. In a study of over 600 pregnant women, 26% reported symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS), a condition characterized by unpleasant feelings in the legs that worsen at night and that are relieved by movement.

The exact cause of RLS is unknown. However, evidence suggests that it is related to an imbalance of a brain chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a naturally occurring substance which affects movement. In the evening, dopamine levels fall, and this may explain why the symptoms of RLS are often worse in the evening and at night.

Another cause of RLS is a lack of iron which is essential for the production of dopamine. Other nutrients are also involved in neurotransmitter regulation such as B6, B12 and folic acid.

Pregnant women are also at risk for developing sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep. This is particularly true of women who are overweight when they become pregnant. Sleep apnea may also be associated with complications during pregnancy such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, or low birth weight.

Consequently, it is important to ensure that you are eating well in order to ensure you are consuming enough nutrients to sleep well, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Vegan diet poses greater risk of birth defects

Research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has indicated that sufficient B12 in addition to folic acid is needed in your diet in order to prevent spina bifida says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy. Researcher discovered that mothers with the lowest levels of B12 tripled the risk of spina bifida in their babies.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells, the maintenance of the nervous system, and growth and development in children. Deficiency can cause anaemia, Vitamin B12 neuropathy, involving the degeneration of nerve fibres and irreversible neurological damage, can also occur.

This research is especially important for vegans and to a lesser extent vegetarians as they are particularly at risk of a B12 deficiency, as it is exclusively synthesised by bacteria and is found primarily in meat, eggs and dairy products.

According to the Vegan Society, the present consensus is that any B12 present in plant foods is likely to be unavailable to humans and so these foods should not be relied upon as safe sources.

Consequently, I would recommend that anyone following a vegan diet includes foods fortified with vitamin B12, such as breafast cereals and taking a supplement with B12 suitabable for vegetarians and vegans, says Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

To find out more about Nutritional support during or before your pregnancy, contact UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown Dip.ION (mBANT), specialist in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy care in the city of London, EC2. I have also written a free e-book on how you can improve your diet during your pregnancy, which can be obtained by clicking on my link.

Taking a vitamin supplement can significantly reduce your chances of having a premature baby

More evidence has come to light regarding the importance of ensuring your diet has sufficient foods containing B vitamins before and during your pregnancy says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialises in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy.

Research has shown that if you consume sufficient folic acid for a year before becoming pregnant it can cut your risk of having a premature baby. This is important as being born too early is the most common reason for mortality in babies. UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown always recommends a supplement containing 400mcg (micrograms) of folic acid daily and health care professionals have long recommended it to mums because it can reduce the risk of birth defects.

As many women do not know they are pregnant for some weeks it is essential that folic acid is taken all the time and especially if you know that you are trying to have a baby.

Folic acid is in most pre-natal and multi-vitamins. It can also be found in foods like fortified cereal, leafy green vegetables and orange juice. While folic acid is widely accepted by health experts worldwide, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, there are a number of other nutrients that would hugely benefit both mums and babies, especially where there is a risk of allergies (such as eczema, asthma and hayfever) in families. Furthermore, nutrients like folic acid work better if taken with other members of the B vitamin family.

Consequently, seeking pre-conceptual care advice may help considerably to avoid having a premature baby, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

Babies at risk if mums do not take Folic Acid

UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, who specialists in pre-conceptual care, fertility and pregnancy, always recommends 400mcg (micrograms) of folic acid daily. Many women do not know they are pregnant for some weeks so it is essential that folic acid is taken all the time and especially if you know that you are trying to have a baby.

The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have again strongly advised all women, especially those between 18 and 24 years of age, to make sure they get the necessary intake of folic acid says Mackeown.

However, according to a number of surveys conducted into the awareness and knowledge of taking folic acid, a surprisingly high number of mums and mums to be did not know about the health benefits which include a significant reduction in the risk of a child being born with neural tube defects, which give rise to abnormalities of the brain and spine.

While folic acid is widely accepted by health experts worldwide, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown, there are a number of other nutrients that would hugely benefit both mums and babies, especially where there is a risk of allergies (such as eczema, asthma and hayfever) in families. Furthermore, nutrients like folic acid work better if taken with other members of the B vitamin family.

Consequently, seeking professional dietary and supplement advice may help considerably avoid this debilitating condition, says UrBod Nutritionist Melody Mackeown.

To find out more, contact Melody Mackeown