Getting pregnant is easier for our body the healthier it is. A healthy diet and moderate exercise as well as a normal weight are therefore essential if you want to have children. This increases the chances of pregnancy and gives the baby a healthy start in life. But even before pregnancy, many women suffer from a lack of folic acid, iron, zinc, selenium and other nutrients.

If women have taken hormonal contraceptives, the likelihood of a nutrient deficiency is also increased, especially with vitamins E and C, since these, as antioxidants, regulate the stress caused by the pill. The increased need is usually difficult to cover through diet, which is why it makes sense to take food supplements - after consultation with the doctor. MamiGut offers a simple and tasty way to support the body to recharge your batteries for pregnancy.

Folic acid and iodine: Although they do not improve fertility directly, they are very important for mother and baby from the first day of pregnancy. In this way, malformations in the child can be prevented. However, the recommended daily intake amounts can often not be covered by diet and it also takes some time to correct a possible deficiency. Talk to your doctor and clarify a deficiency in good time.

Iron: A balanced iron balance is also important when preparing for pregnancy. It is important for the formation of red blood cells and is required for the transport of oxygen in the blood. During pregnancy, the child must also be supplied with iron. The enlarged uterus and placenta also need iron. Therefore, iron deficiency occurs quickly during pregnancy. Iron can be supplied to the body in particular through red meat and legumes. If this is not enough, it makes sense to take iron supplements.

Calcium: Since calcium can promote ovulation, an adequate intake makes sense even if you are planning to have children.

Vitamin B6 and B12: A lack of vitamin B6 and B12 can lead to problems conceiving. Vitamin B6 deficiency can occur, especially if you have taken hormonal contraception beforehand. The vitamins are plentiful in animal and plant foods, such as meat, grain products, bananas or yeast.

Omega-3 fatty acids: promote fetal cell, eye and brain development. Vitamin E: promotes egg implantation in the uterus

Selenium: A radical scavenger that neutralizes toxins (e.g. inflammation, alcohol) in the body.

Coenzyme Q10: The fat-soluble molecule coenzyme Q10 is a vital antioxidant that, among other things, protects the cells from free oxygen radicals and strengthens the mitochondria of the human body (our inner "cell power plants"). Taking coenzyme Q10 can improve poor egg quality and increase the number of fertilizable eggs (Bentov et al. 2010, Xu Y et al. 2018). It can also increase the chances of egg implantation in the uterine lining also improve and strengthen the immune system.

Proteins: In order to get pregnant, the body needs an adequate supply of proteins. Here, studies have shown that fertility increases when at least 2/3 of the proteins come from plant sources. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3066040/

Recent research has shown that low protein intake related to conception can negatively impact embryonic development, leading to slowed or stopped embryo growth.

In its early stages of development, the embryo requires a lot of cellular energy, which is supplied by the mitochondria (the cell's "powerhouse"). In the period after the egg is fertilized, but before it is implanted in the uterine wall, the embryo is extreme vulnerable to nutrient supply. Studies show poorer outcomes in embryo survival when mitochondrial function is compromised.

A low-protein diet has been linked to significantly fewer mitochondria around the cell's nucleus (the "command center" that contains DNA). Both low-protein and excessively high-protein diets have been linked to reduced numbers of cells in the blastocyst stage embryo (the same stage at which embryos are removed and frozen for IVF procedures). There are even some studies that indicate that a protein deficiency before implantation (conception) also affects the future health of children after birth.

Current estimated recommendations for daily protein intake during pregnancy range from 1.22 to 1.52 g/kg body weight (pre-pregnancy) per day, with higher intakes required in the third trimester or in women with high levels of physical activity is. On average, this equates to around 80-110g of protein per day. This is supported by other studies showing that women who consumed 100g of quality protein per day had the best pregnancy outcomes (babies born at a healthy weight).

A balanced diet is therefore essential for a successful pregnancy.

References:

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2. Herring CM, et al. Impacts of maternal dietary protein intake on fetal survival, growth, and development. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2018 Mar; 243(6): 525-33
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4. Mitchell M, et al. Metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction in early mouse embryos following maternal dietary protein intervention. Biol Reprod. 2009 Apr; 80(4): 622-30
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7. Stephens TV, et al. Protein requirements of healthy pregnant women during early and late gestation are higher than current recommendations. J Nutr. 2015; 145(1): 73-8