Nourishing Fertility: Comprehensive Nutrient and Metabolic Testing When TTC

Guest blog by Dr. Robyn Murphy, ND, a fertility naturopathic doctor at Conceive Health.

Embarking on the journey to parenthood is an exciting and sometimes challenging adventure. As a naturopathic doctor, I often encounter individuals who have undergone standard fertility testing, which typically includes assessments of hormones such as FSH, LH, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, TSH, and AMH. While these tests provide valuable insights into reproductive health, there is often a missing piece in the puzzle – the role of nutrition and its impact on fertility. 

Additional Markers Important for Fertility 

Testing nutrients, metabolic markers, and inflammatory indicators offers a further understanding of possible underlying causes influencing fertility and the potential risks for pregnancy complications. Before embarking on the journey to conception, consider working with your Naturopathic Doctor to assess these baseline markers. This helps to determine the best individual diet, supplement, and lifestyle plan. 

1. Vitamin D 
   • Essential for calcium regulation, immune function, and hormone balance. Studies show a remarkable 83% reduction in miscarriage rates in women with PCOS with optimal Vitamin D levels (95-115nmol/L).
2. Iron 
   • Iron plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen to our tissues. Deficiency can delay conception and increase chances of anemia during pregnancy and postpartum depression.
   • Common symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, especially worse with exercise, headache, rapid heartbeat, general weakness, and paleness.
   • You can improve iron absorption by taking it with vitamin C rich foods or a supplement. Avoid taking it with caffeine or high calcium foods (milk). 
3. Vitamin B12
   • Vital for energy, brain function, hormone regulation, and nerve health.
4. Cholesterol Panel:
   • Couples who have high cholesterol levels, take longer to get pregnant than couples with normal cholesterol levels. Even if one person has high cholesterol, the effect is the same.
   • Cholesterol may be high from numerous factors, including diet, smoking, excess alcohol, lack of exercise or from medical conditions such as hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease, diabetes, and other hormone imbalances. 
5. Fasting Glucose and Insulin 
   • The connection between insulin resistance and fertility is particularly prevalent in conditions like PCOS and metabolic syndrome.
   • In PCOS, insulin resistance contributes to heightened production of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries. This excess of androgens can interfere with normal ovulation and lead to irregular menstrual cycles or anovulation (lack of ovulation), impacting chances of conception. 
6. Markers of inflammation 
   • Inflammation has widespread effects on the body. It is linked to ovulatory dysfunction and hormone disruption, leading to anovulation and irregular cycles. It can impact egg quality, endometrial receptivity, immunity and may lead to blocked tubes. Not surprisingly, high preconception CRP levels (?1.95 mg/L) is associated with lower pregnancy and live birth rates.
   • There are many causes of inflammation to keep in mind, including infection, poor diet, sleep disruption, lack of exercise, chronic stress, dysbiosis and many health conditions, such as obesity and endometriosis.

Individual Diet and Supplementation 

Testing nutrients and metabolic markers reveals your specific nutritional needs, guiding personalized supplement dosing and dietary recommendations. Certain conditions can significantly impact the need for nutrients and increase the likelihood of nutrient deficiencies.

1. Celiac Disease: This autoimmune condition affecting the small intestine can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, particularly vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and B vitamins. Individuals with celiac disease often require specialized nutrient supplementation to address deficiencies.
2. Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms/Infections: Prolonged gastrointestinal issues or infections can compromise nutrient absorption, leading to deficiencies. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may necessitate increased nutrient intake or targeted supplementation.
3. Use of Birth Control and Other Medications (PPI): Certain medications, including oral contraceptives and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), can impact nutrient absorption. For example, PPIs may reduce the absorption of magnesium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin B12.
4. Restrictive Diets (Vegan/Vegetarian): Plant-based diets can be deficient in certain nutrients like essential to fertility, such as B12, choline, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Other factors such as genetics, gut absorption, and dietary preferences is something your Naturopathic Doctor will consider when tailoring treatment to address underlying concerns to support fertility.

In the pursuit of fertility, a holistic approach integrating comprehensive nutrient testing and personalized nutrition alongside conventional fertility care is crucial. A well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet, complemented by strategic supplementation, can address the root causes of infertility by optimizing hormonal balance, supporting reproductive organ function, and mitigating underlying conditions. This holistic approach enhances the chances of conception and contributes to a healthy pregnancy by creating an optimal physiological environment, reducing inflammation, and ensuring essential nutrients vital for reproductive health are readily available.

If you’re looking for more information or would like to speak to a health professional, please see the link here: Book an 15-min introductory call.

Dr Robyn Murphy is a fertility naturopathic doctor at Conceive Health in Toronto. As the Scientific Advisor for DNA Labs, she combines her strong background in research and clinical practice to bring the most effective treatment strategies for her patients. Dr. Murphy uses a comprehensive approach to compliment conventional treatment and address underlying causes that impact fertility, including hormone, immune, digestive, and metabolic imbalances. She is a strong advocate for patient-centred care and aims to build trust and empower patients with reliable knowledge to inspire health.