Infertility affects one couple in four!
In 2022, the French Ministry of Health published a report on the causes of infertility (downloadable here). The first cause put forward was the rising age of childbirth. The average age of mothers at first birth is rising: it was 28.8 in 2019, compared with 24 in 1975. Female fertility falls from the age of 30, and even more so from the age of 35.
Definition and causes of infertility
Infertility is defined as acouple’s inability to conceive after one year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The causes of infertility can be many, ranging from ovulation problems in women to sperm problems in men. The issue is complex and can often cause stress and anxiety.
Medical causes in women and men
In women, infertility can be ofmechanical origin: this is the case with endometriosis, a widespread but still poorly understood pathology that can cause obstruction of the fallopian tubes. It can also behormonal in origin. This is the case with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common cause of menstrual cycle disorders and lack of ovulation.
In men, infertility can be endocrine, testicular or linked to damage to the genital tract. The most common cause is varicocele.
Exposure to environmental factors
The second factor to explain this rise in infertility isexposure to environmental factors such as endocrine disruptors and air pollution. Between 1973 and 2011, the concentration of spermatozoa in the semen of men in industrialised countries fell by more than 50%. It also appears that certain lifestyles, such as smoking or cannabis consumption, obesity and unbalanced diet, have a deleterious effect on fertility, particularly in the six months preceding pregnancy.
Psychological impact of infertility
Infertility can have a significant psychological impact, leading to stress, anxiety and low self-esteem. It is therefore essential to look for ways to manage this stress and promote good mental health throughout the process.
Understanding micronutrition
Micronutrition, a rapidly expanding scientific discipline, focuses on the intake andbalance of essential micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Although these nutrients are required in small quantities, they play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the human body.
Definition of micronutrition
Micronutrition can be defined as an approach that focuses on providing the body with essential micronutrients. These micronutrients are essential for many biological functions, including maintaining the immune system, skin and eye health, growth and development, and fertility.
Role of micronutrition in the human body
Micronutrients play a vital role in a number of bodily processes, including the maintenance of immune function, skin and eye health, growth and development, and even fertility.
- Maintaining optimal immune function
Vitamins and minerals help to strengthen our immune system, helping us to fight infection and disease. For example, vitamin C is known to boost immune defences, while zinc plays a key role in the functioning of immune cells.
- Skin and eye health
Certain micronutrients are essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin and healthy eyes. Vitamins A and E, for example, are known for their antioxidant properties and their ability to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for eye health and can help prevent certain conditions such as age-related macular degeneration.
- Growth and development
Growing children have an increased need for micronutrients to support their harmonious development. Vitamins D and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium, are essential for bone growth, tooth formation and cognitive development.
- Fertility and reproduction
Certain micronutrients, such as B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, play a crucial role in fertility and reproduction. They contribute to the proper functioning of hormones and promote the health of male and female gametes, thereby increasing the chances of conception.
How can micronutrition help boost fertility?
Micronutrition is an approach that aims to optimise the intake of micronutrients that are essential for overall health. These nutrients, although necessary in small quantities, play a fundamental role in many biological processes. By ensuring a proper balance of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, we canimprove our health, well-being and overall quality of life. Take care of your diet and consult a health professional for personalised advice on micronutrition.
Link between micronutrition and fertility
Recent research suggests that micronutrients may play a crucial role in fertility in both men and women. For example, certain vitamins and minerals can improve sperm quality in men and promote ovulation in women.
What if micronutrition contributed to fertility?
While a healthy diet – avoiding processed products – and a balanced lifestyle help to combat infertility, a micronutritional check-up can reveal deficiencies in certain micronutrients that promote fertility. For example, for women, iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which is linked to optimal fertility. Another major trace element is zinc, which is essential for both women and men: it contributes to the proper functioning of gametogenesis (maturation of ova and spermatozoa) and to the progress of pregnancy to term. Other micronutrients such as vitamin B, iron, copper and selenium are also useful. Finally, polyunsaturated fatty acids, a good balance of Omega 3 and 6, optimise the chances of conceiving and giving birth to a perfectly healthy baby.
Essential micronutrients to improve fertility
Key micronutrients that have been associated with improved fertility include omega-3, vitamin D, coenzyme Q10, zinc and folic acid.
Beware, however, of self-medication: while there is no major health risk from excess Omega 3 or 6 supplementation, this is not the case for iodine, too much of which in the body is not good for your health!
Best food supplements for improving fertility
Fertility problems can be a source of frustration and worry for many couples who want to conceive a child. Fortunately, there are dietary supplements that can help improve fertility by promoting reproductive health. In this article, we’ll explore the best food supplements for increasing your chances of conception.
Omega-3
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that play an important role in many bodily functions, including reproductive health. These fatty acids are known to improve sperm and egg quality, making them a recommended dietary supplement for couples looking to conceive. Foods rich in omega-3 include oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines. If you’re not getting enough of these foods, you may want to consider omega-3 supplementation to optimise your fertility.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in fertility, particularly in women. In particular, it is involved inimproving the quality of eggs and the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. A vitamin D deficiency can have a negative impact on fertility. To ensure adequate levels of vitamin D, supplementation may be recommended, especially if you are deficient. It can also be obtained naturally by regular exposure to the sun, eating oily fish and eggs, or by choosing foods fortified with vitamin D.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant involved in the production of cellular energy. It is also associated withimproved egg and sperm quality. With age, the natural production of coenzyme Q10 decreases, which can affect fertility. As a dietary supplement, coenzyme Q10 can help support reproductive health by increasing cellular energy levels and improving gamete quality.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in fertility in both men and women. In men, zinc is necessary for the production of healthy spermatozoa, while in women it is important for egg maturation. Zinc deficiency can therefore have a negative impact on fertility. To increase your zinc intake, you can include foods such as oysters, lean red meat, pumpkin seeds and legumes in your diet. If you find it difficult to obtain enough zinc from your diet, zinc supplements may be worth considering.
Folic acid
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is essential for DNA formation and cell division. Folic acid supplementation is often recommended for women trying to conceive, as it can prevent neural tube defects in the foetus. Foods rich in folic acid include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, legumes and fortified cereals. It is important to take folic acid even before planning a pregnancy, as this ensures adequate levels from the outset.
Natural remedies to boost fertility
In addition to the food supplements mentioned above, there are also natural remedies that can help boost fertility. Here are a few more tips to optimise your chances of conceiving:
Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains can help provide the micronutrients needed for good reproductive health.
Exercise
Regular physical activity can help improve fertility by promoting a healthy body weight and reducing stress. This can have a positive impact on fertility. Try to engage in moderate physical activity, such as walking, swimming or yoga.
Stress management
Chronic stress can affect fertility. Stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation or mindfulness can help manage the stress associated with infertility.
Infertility can be a difficult ordeal for many couples. Fortunately, micronutrition offers a natural approach to increasing your chances of conceiving. Whether through food supplements or a healthy lifestyle, there are many ways to support your fertility with micronutrition.
What if the way to boost the birth rate was through microbiota and a ban on pesticides?
The birth rate is at its lowest in the world…
The government is concerned about the low birth rate: in 2023, France will have 678,000 births, 6.6% fewer than in 2022, and almost 20% fewer than in 2010. In Europe, most countries are following this trend, including Germany, where the number of births in 2022 will be 7.1% lower than in 2021, and Italy, where the number of births has fallen by 30% in 10 years. And there is a long list of countries around the world that share this situation, even though their cultures and economic realities differ: China, Colombia, Russia, Taiwan…
Could the desire for personal fulfilment, anxiety or economic difficulties explain this decline?
In France, in 2022, Ifop published a survey conducted with the ELLE newspaper involving a sample of 2,000 women aged 15 and over. According to the results of this survey, the link between motherhood and femininity is dissociating. Among the 30% of women aged between 18 and 49 who say they do not want children, the main reason given – 91% – is to give priority to personal fulfilment. Fear of an uncertain future – climate change and political uncertainty – is cited by 81% of them. The third reason given was economic and family difficulties, cited by 63% of these women.
Taking care of pregnant women’s health is a priority!
While care for pregnant women in France remains generally good, certain indicators show that the situation is deteriorating. Areport published by Santé Publique France in September 2022 notes the increase in certain maternal pathologies such as hypertension – 5% of mothers in 2019 – or gestational diabetes, which has increased by half in nine years and affected more than 13% of pregnant women in 2019.
Gestational diabetes will affect 16.4% of women in 2021
As the Ameli.fr website points out, “during pregnancy, the regulation of blood sugar levels in pregnant women changes. In some cases, the pancreas is unable to secrete enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels, leading at times to hyperglycaemia and then gestational diabetes. Blood glucose levels first rise after meals (postprandial hyperglycaemia), then even on an empty stomach. Glucose, present in excess in the mother’s blood, crosses the placenta and passes into the foetus, accelerating its weight growth (the foetus puts on weight too quickly for its age)” The rise in the number of women with the condition is all the more worrying given that gestational diabetes increases the risk of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
Intestinal microbiota used to screen for gestational diabetes in the first trimester of pregnancy
This is the finding of a research team from Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv. The researchers found that differences in the microbial composition associated with the onset of gestational diabetes during the first trimester led to inflammation and insulin resistance more than 10 weeks before the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. They conclude by hypothesising that the gut microbiota plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammation-induced gestational diabetes, with interleukin-6 possibly contributing to pathogenesis.
Pregnant women: pesticides, beware the danger!
An article written by three researchers from the University of Picardy and published in The Conversation on 15 January this year warns of the effects of chlorpyrifos, a chlorinated organophosphate pesticide. Although its use has been banned in France since 2020, chlorpyrifos residues are still present in French soil. Depending on environmental conditions, previous farming practices and natural decomposition processes, the time it takes for this substance to lose half its activity varies from 100 days to 17 years… This is all the more worrying given that the use of other organophosphate pesticides such as diazinon, malathion and parathion is still authorised! However, it has been established that “these molecules also act on the stress response of the intestinal microbiota, and on its involvement in carbohydrate metabolism”
Prebiotics to counter the effects of chlorpyrifos?
In this article, the authors refer to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition in December 2022. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of chlorpyrifos on metabolic and bacteriological markers. Female rats were exposed to this pesticide before and during gestation and lactation. Results: “the weight of the mothers exposed to chlorpyrifos was lower than that of the other groups, and an imbalance was observed in blood glucose and lipid markers, as well as in certain intestinal bacteria. Intrauterine growth retardation, as well as metabolic disorders and disruption of certain intestinal bacteria, were also observed in their offspring, indicating both a direct effect on the dams and an indirect effect of chlorpyrifos on the female offspring. Co-treatment with inulin – a prebiotic – prevented some of the effects of the pesticide
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about fertility
What is micronutrition?
Micronutrition is a branch of nutrition that focuses on the micronutrient requirements of the human body. These micronutrients, made up of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential fatty acids and other bioactive substances, are required in very small quantities. Yet they play a crucial role in the proper functioning of the body, in particular the immune system, cell regeneration and general well-being.
How can micronutrients help boost fertility?
Micronutrients play an important role in both male and female fertility. For example, omega-3s, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, help to improve sperm quality and egg health. Vitamin D is essential for hormonal balance. Coenzyme Q10 aids energy production in cells, including those of the ovaries and spermatozoa. Zinc plays a role in cell division and is therefore important for reproductive health. Finally, folic acid is crucial in preventing neural tube defects in the foetus.
What are the best food supplements for improving fertility?
To improve fertility, it is advisable to choose food supplements rich in omega-3, vitamin D, coenzyme Q10, zinc and folic acid. These supplements can help optimise reproductive health and increase the chances of conception. However, it is advisable to consult a health professional before taking any supplements, especially if you are planning to become pregnant.
What natural remedies can boost fertility?
As well as food supplements, adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential for boosting fertility. This includes a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Regular physical activity promotes blood circulation and hormonal well-being. Finally, stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation or mindfulness are beneficial as they reduce stress levels, which are known to adversely affect fertility.
How important is stress management for fertility?
Chronic stress can have a significant negative impact on fertility. It can disrupt menstrual cycles, reduce sperm quality and affect hormonal balance. Stress management is therefore essential for maintaining optimal fertility. Practices such as yoga, meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness help to reduce stress and encourage a calmer state of mind that is conducive to conception.
How is the decline in the birth rate perceived around the world?
The falling birth rate is a global concern. In 2023, countries such as France, Germany and Italy recorded significant falls in births. This trend in fertility levels can be observed in many countries, despite their cultural and economic differences.
What are the reasons for this drop in the birth rate in France?
An Ifop study with ELLE in 2022 revealed that the main reason why 30% of women aged between 18 and 49 choose not to have children is the desire for personal fulfilment. Other reasons include anxiety about the future, including climate change and political instability, as well as economic and family difficulties.
What is the health situation for pregnant women in France?
Although France generally offers a good level of care for pregnant women, an increase in certain maternal pathologies, such as hypertension and gestational diabetes, has been noted.
How does gestational diabetes affect pregnant women?
Gestational diabetes, which affected 16.4% of pregnant women in 2021, leads to hyperglycaemia and can increase the risk of gestational hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
How is the intestinal microbiota linked to gestational diabetes?
Research from Bar-Ilan University has shown that differences in microbial composition in the first trimester of pregnancy are associated with inflammation and insulin resistance, thus playing a role in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes.
How dangerous are pesticides for pregnant women?
Studies indicate that pesticides, such as chlorpyrifos, adversely affect the stress response of the intestinal microbiota and have an impact on carbohydrate metabolism, which can be worrying for pregnant women and their offspring.
Can prebiotics reduce the effects of pesticides?
One study has suggested that co-treatment with inulin, a prebiotic, could help mitigate some of the harmful effects of chlorpyrifos, particularly on weight, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and intestinal health.
Is it possible to boost the birth rate by taking account of the microbiota and banning pesticides?
Improving the health of pregnant women by taking account of their microbiota and reducing exposure to pesticides could potentially have a positive impact on birth rates. However, this hypothesis needs further study to be confirmed.
