How dairy consumption affects female fertility
This article will debunk the myths surrounding dairy and fertility.
A healthy balanced diet means including some dairy every day. This is because milk and dairy are a great source of protein, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D. But when we talk about dairy or milk and fertility there are always lots of questions!
Dairy cause inflammation. True or false?
Is ovulation affected by dairy?
Better high or low-fat milk?
Dairy products and PCOS.
Are dairy products beneficial?
- Does dairy cause inflammation?
- Does dairy affect ovulation?
- High fat or low -fat milk?
- Dairy products and polycystic ovary syndrome
- Nutritional benefits of dairy products
A healthy and balanced diet means daily dairy products.
This is because milk and milk products are an excellent source of protein, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin D. But when we talk about the relationship between dairy and fertility there are always a lot of questions!
These range from " Should I avoid dairy?" up to "Does dairy cause inflammation? »
Does dairy cause inflammation?
Chronically high levels of inflammation can negatively impact fertility. Second, dairy contains saturated fat , which in some cases can be pro-inflammatory. Eating lots of processed foods that contain high levels of saturated fat and sugar, for example, can actually "affect" fertility by creating an inflammatory environment.
However, a recent study found that consuming low-fat or full- fat fermented dairy products is associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
Does dairy affect ovulation?
Drinking three glasses of milk a day can reduce the risk of infertility by 70%.
In fact, there is a greater chance of a successful pregnancy in women who undergo IVF and consume more dairy products before the treatment .
Meanwhile, one study found that increasing dairy intake was associated with a small decrease in estrogen levels. However, this is not associated with reduced ovulation. Eating dairy actually increased levels of LH, the hormone necessary for ovulation.
Additionally, the largest study to date found no association between dairy consumption and ovulation problems. This study looked at dairy products and fertility in nearly 18,000 women.
High fat or low-fat milk?
The study just mentioned found no association between total dairy intake and the risk of anovulatory infertility. However, it did find differences between full-fat and low- fat dairy products when it came to ovulation.
Full-fat dairy reduced the risk by 50%, while low-fat milk increased the risk by 11%.
The most likely reason behind this was that high-fat milk produced more estrogen and contributed to lower increases in IGF1 compared to low-fat products.
Simply put, it means that full fat is better for women.
Dairy products and polycystic ovary syndrome
Milk contains sugar, so it contributes to insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that controls blood sugar levels.
Controlling blood sugar levels is more difficult in women with PCOS. This is also why a diet with fewer carbohydrates and fewer sugars is beneficial.
Of course, if you compare a glass of milk to a carbohydrate meal, the glass of milk is actually lower in sugar. Dairy has a low glycemic index, meaning it releases sugar slowly , leading to a more controlled insulin response.
A recent systematic review even found that, in general, total dairy intake has a beneficial effect on insulin resistance.
It is currently unclear whether dairy products have a harmful or beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity . However, based on what we know, there's no reason to completely eliminate dairy from your diet.
Nutritional benefits of dairy products
Cow's milk has an "impressive nutritional profile.
It contains vitamin B2 and B12, vitamin A and D, as well as calcium , iodine, magnesium, zinc and selenium.
If you have further concerns or questions, we recommend that you seek the advice of an expert.
source:fertilitydietitian.co.uk