PRECONCEPTION NUTRITION: STARTING FROM THE BEGINNING These evidenced based recommendations should be on every couple’s radar before trying conceive. By Lora Attia - Dietitian & Fitness For Mums 18
KADAC IN HEALTH
It is widely known that what we eat, drink and our lifestyle choices during pregnancy is important and impact a baby’s long term health. However what isn’t widely known is the impact begins prior to conception. Preconception nutrition, at least three months before an egg is fertilized, should be prioritized but the more time you can give yourself the better. This is because a women’s eggs follow a 90 day cycle and for men approximately 64 days for a full sperm reproduction. During this time, diet and lifestyle choices influence gene expression and therefore disease risk. From the moment an egg is fertilized, requirements for specific nutrients increase for fetal growth. Nutrient requirements continue to increase throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore understanding where your nutrition stores lie prior to conception is important as it is not uncommon for women and men to need to correct deficiencies.
