subject: Iron Increases Fertility [print this page] Iron Increases Fertility Iron Increases Fertility
If you're trying to conceive (TTC), it's important to think about increasing your iron intake. There is a link between iron and fertility. Research has shown that low iron levels contribute to infertility. Through comprehensive studies, researchers found that women who supplement with iron have a 40% less risk of ovulatory infertility (defined as the inability to produce healthy, mature eggs) than those who did not supplement with iron. Actually, the higher the iron dosage is, the lower their risk of infertility. Women who took the highest doses of 41mg or more, lower their risk by over 62%!
However, before you begin supplementing with iron, this is what you must know:
Not every woman will need vitamin supplementation (but iron is important). Fertility experts agree that more research is needed before they would recommend iron supplements to every woman as a way to increase their fertility. However, even if iron supplementation isn't recommended specifically for you, it's necessary to increase your iron stores the all natural way prior to getting pregnant. Iron is one mineral that your body needs an excess of during pregnancy because the fetus will use quite a bit of your supply both during pregnancy and after while you are nursing. Speak to your physician. They are your best resource when it comes to learning all about how iron can increase your fertility and your chances of getting pregnant. Ask your physician for a blood test that will check your iron levels. If your results show that you need supplementation, your doctor can prescribe an appropriate dosage. If your results indicate that your iron levels are optimal, then you should not require additional iron supplementation, but you are still required to take a prenatal vitamin (which will include a basic amount of iron). You will also want to eat a healthy diet that includes iron-rich foods.
It's recommended to eat iron-rich foods. The most bio-available form of iron is called heme iron and it is commonly found in meat. Another form of iron called non-heme iron is found in plant sources but because of it's chemical makeup, it's much more difficult for the intestinal tract to absorb. It's necessary to eat both types of iron, so don't disregard non-heme iron. As a matter of face heme iron helps to facilitate the absorption of non-heme iron, so eating foods from both sources at the same time is optimal. The simplest way to get the most of your nutrition while eating iron-rich foods? Make sure to pair them with foods that are high in vitamin C, which increases iron absorption within the body.
Here are some foods that are rich in both vitamin C and iron:
Foods packed with heme iron:
Lean beef
Lean pork
Poultry (dark meat)
Scallops
Shrimp
Salmon
Tuna
Eggs
Foods rich in non-heme iron:
Prunes and prune juice
Raisins
Figs
Peanut butter
Beans (black, kidney, lima, pinto)
Tofu
Hummus
Green leafy vegetables (turnip greens, kale, broccoli,spinach)
Oatmeal or cream of wheat
Enriched breads, pastas, and cereals
Foods loaded with vitamin C:
Oranges and orange juice
Tomatoes
Red peppers
Broccoli
Strawberries
Kiwi
Don't forget, when it comes to iron and your fertility, eating a diet rich in iron might not be a sure fire way to help you get pregnant fast, but it will keep you very healthy while you're trying to conceive. In the end, the healthier you are, the stronger your fertility levels are and the better your chances of conceiving a healthy baby!
At http://MyInfertilityBlog.com, we provide information, articles, resources, books and advice on how to get pregnant fast and how to over come infertility caused by endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and thyroid problems.
