Reference no: EM133539840
ASSIGNMENT:
Topic: Nutrition and its impact on fertility have gained significant attention in recent years. The connection between the two has been a subject of both scholarly research and public discourse. This literature review seeks to explore the relationship between nutrition and fertility by addressing both information-seeking and opinion-seeking questions. Drawing on various perspectives and sources, our aim is to gain a deeper understanding of how nutrition influences fertility outcomes.
Various differing definitions of the term "fertility" exist. For the purpose of this literature review, fertility should be defined broadly as the ability of organisms to reproduce, and the study of the factors that influence fertility should include both natural and assisted methods of reproduction. Nutrition, in this context, can be defined as the intake of essential nutrients required for a person's health and well-being.
Various studies have sought to measure the effects of nutrition on fertility. According to the Medical Research Council (2010), dietary factors may influence fertility in both men and women. Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and folate have all been shown to contribute to higher fertility rates. In 2009, a study by Thong and Wong further suggested that a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet may also increase fertility in women. In another study conducted in 2014 by Chang et al., it was revealed that malnourishment and deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals could be responsible for reduced rates of fertility in both men and women.
The connection between nutrition and fertility has also been studied from the perspective of assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Aldelaijan et al. (2004) found that suboptimal nutrition, such as a lower protein intake and higher fat intake, could be factors in decreasing success rates of IVF treatments. Additionally, deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals have been demonstrated to negatively impact fertility in both men and women, with low levels of vitamin D, folate, and iron all being linked to reduced fertility.
The research on the impact of nutrition on fertility is not limited to physical measures but includes psychological components as well. In a 2015 study by Okeke et al., it was found that psychological factors such as stress and depression could negatively affect fertility rates, indicating an indirect link between nutrition and fertility. Brown (2013) underscores this notion, arguing that healthy eating plays an important role in a woman's psychological well-being and can ultimately have a positive effect on fertility.
It is clear from the current literature that nutrition plays an important role in fertility. Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, and folate have all been shown to contribute to higher fertility rates, while deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals could be responsible for reduced fertility. In addition, psychological factors such as stress and depression can have an indirect impact through impacting fertility. Moreover, the research suggests that consuming a healthy diet, including eating high-protein and low-carb foods, may improve chances of conception.
Further research should seek to address the various gaps in current knowledge around nutrition and fertility. Studies are needed that investigate the impact of environmental pollutants on fertility, as well as how certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and maternal age impact fertility. More research should also address how specific nutrients and deficiencies affect fertility outcomes over the course of the reproductive lifespan. Further exploration of the psychological aspects of nutrition and fertility, including the impact of stress on fertility, is also needed.
In conclusion, nutrition and fertility are closely connected and understanding this link is essential for health and reproductive outcomes. This literature review provides a synthesis of the current understanding of the effects of nutrition on fertility and identifies areas that merit further study. With more evidence of the impact of nutrition on fertility, the public will be better informed on how to optimize their reproductive health.
Add a case study from sophisticated interview and analysis on someone you know, in the time, that could provide interesting results.