You've been diagnosed with iron deficiency and
now you're worried that it may affect your fertility...
I get it.
Stay tuned and I'll explain when you should be concerned and what strategies I'd recommend...
Hi! If this is our first time connecting, welcome!
My name is Melanie McGrice and I'm a fertility and prenatal dietitian.
I help couples boost their fertility and give their baby's the best start possible with
the power of good nutrition.
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My handles are all in the description box below this video.
So, can iron deficiency affect fertility?
In one word, yes.
Although having high amounts of iron won't increase your fertility, low iron stores will
most likely decrease your ability to conceive.
Researchers are still trying to determine the exact roles that iron has on fertility...
and it appears to be very complex!
To name just a few, iron deficiency impacts your thyroid hormones, the way that your body
processes energy and your ability to ovulate.
Furthermore, I believe that it is essential to optimise your iron levels before conception
as if you need iron supplements, I'd rather that you took them before you get pregnant.
You see, during pregnancy your blood volume increases by a whopping 50%.
And, as iron is essential for carrying nutrients through your bloodstream, your iron requirements
increase from 18 milligrams per day to 27 milligrams per day.
Iron supplements can cause constipation, and during pregnancy this is already a problem.
Additionally, iron supplements have been linked to increasing the risk of Gestational Diabetes.
"So, who should have their iron levels checked" I hear you asking.
Well, if you've had iron deficiency in the past, if you have really heavy periods, if
you follow a vegetarian diet, if your weight is on the low side or if you've got any absorption
conditions such as Coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, I'd highly recommend that you
see your doctor for an iron screen.
If your energy levels are abnormally low it's worth getting your iron levels checked as well,
as iron is involved in transporting oxygen around your body, fatigue is one of
the first symptoms of low iron.
Your doctor usually looks at a number of different tests to assess iron deficiency.
These include transferrin levels, haemoglobin and serum iron, but probably the most important
test is your ferritin levels.
If your iron levels just need increasing a smidge, then boost your dietary iron intake
through plant-based foods such as spinach, brown rice and almonds.
If you haven't done so already, limit your intake of coffee and alcohol which both decrease
iron absorption.
If your iron levels are actually low, I'd recommend supplementation, and as I said,
preferably now rather than once you are pregnant.
Now at this point, I want to issue a warning... don't self diagnose and just start iron supplements
without the guidance of a health care professional.
You see iron supplements can compete against other nutrients... most importantly, zinc.
Zinc also plays a really important role in fertility.
So, you don't want to take so much iron that you inadvertently compromise your zinc status.
In summary, if you're planning to conceive and suspect that there is a chance that your
iron levels may be low, please get them checked by a doctor, then see an experienced fertility
dietitian for assistance optimising your iron levels in a way that boosts and doesn't compromise
your fertility.
I'd also recommend downloading my free fertility meal plan to help get your started.
Just go to www.melaniemcgrice.com/fertility.
I look forward to seeing you in my next video!