In a recent review published in the journal Nutrients, Austrian researchers discuss the role of certain minerals in the female reproductive system.
Research: Minerals and the Menstrual Cycle: Effects on Ovulation and Endometrial Health. Image credit: Marko Aliaksandr / Shutterstock.com
background
Women's reproductive health, especially the function of minerals during the menstrual period, is a complex area of ​​research that highlights the link between diet and female fertility. Despite the emphasis on micronutrients to prevent reproductive diseases, systematic evidence regarding the influence of minerals during the menstrual period on female fertility pathways is still lacking.
Although researchers have extensively investigated minerals related to male fertility, their involvement in female reproductive health has received less attention, with many studies overlooking the menstrual period. .
Overview of female reproductive control
Hormones are important in human reproduction because they control various processes such as menstruation, ovulation, implantation, and pregnancy. In addition to supporting the endometrium and providing an ideal environment for a fertilized egg, hormones also promote follicular maturation and ovulation.
The ovaries are essential to a woman's reproductive health because they produce oocytes for fertilization and synthesize hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. During the follicular phase, the production of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) increases, which stimulates the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Comparatively, GnRH secretion is suppressed during the luteal phase due to increased progesterone levels.
Oxidative stress occurs when the production of free radicals in the body exceeds the ability to detoxify their harmful effects, which can damage cell structures and affect fertility. Iron overload, selenium deficiency, zinc deficiency, magnesium intake deficiency, and copper imbalance indirectly affect female fertility.
Effect of mineral intake on female fertility
zinc
Zinc is essential for hormone production, endometrial function, and fertility because it regulates LH, FSH, and steroid production while protecting oocytes from reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage associated with oxidative stress.
Zinc finger proteins help estrogen receptors function. Therefore, maintaining adequate zinc levels is important for fertility. Zinc deficiency can lead to reproductive health problems such as abnormal LH and FSH synthesis, irregular ovarian growth, disrupted menstrual cycles, and pre-eclampsia.
selenium
Selenium is required for the production of selenoproteins, which convert thyroxine to its biologically active form, triiodothyronine (T3). Thyroid metabolism is critical to maintaining hormonal balance for female fertility, as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can disrupt the menstrual cycle and affect pregnancy. Therefore, maintaining optimal selenium levels is important for consistent and effective ovulation.
Iodine
Iodine is essential for thyroid function and hormone production because it interacts with reproductive hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, infertility, and reproductive abnormalities.
Adequate iodine intake is essential during all menstrual stages. In fact, animal studies have shown that Lugol's iodine therapy can increase fertility in cows with unexplained infertility.
iron
Iron, an important component of hemoglobin, is required for oxygen transport and physiological activity of red blood cells. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, poor egg quality, and decreased ovulation frequency.
Maintaining adequate iron levels is very important for women trying to conceive, as low iron levels can lead to infertility. Comparatively, iron overload can reduce the number of eggs in assisted reproduction.
calcium
Calcium is an essential component of the female reproductive system because it affects bone health, hormone secretion, and sperm fusion. When calcium is released, the pituitary gland releases her LH and FSH, which stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries.
Calcium indirectly affects hormonal control by altering ovulation and ovarian function. Additionally, balanced calcium levels are essential for optimal cell division and embryo implantation.
magnesium
Magnesium is essential for hormonal balance and female fertility. It is involved in enzymes such as aromatase that convert androgens to estrogens. Magnesium is involved in approximately 600 enzymatic activities, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair and glutathione metabolism.
Magnesium can also improve insulin sensitivity and minimize comorbidities. The antioxidant capacity of this mineral indirectly improves fertility by protecting the body from oxidative damage, maintaining egg quality, correcting ovulation, and promoting endometrial health.
copper
Copper is essential for protecting the body from oxidative stress by acting as a cofactor for the superoxide dismutase enzyme. Copper affects antioxidant systems, signal transduction, and gene expression. However, excess copper can have pro-oxidant effects and impair endothelial function.
manganese
Manganese, a valuable trace mineral, acts as an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals, protects cell structures from oxidative stress, and may improve reproductive health in women. Oxidative stress impairs oocyte function and quality, thereby disrupting the hormonal regulation of female fertility.
conclusion
Minerals play important roles in female fertility, particularly in hormonal regulation, ovulation, oxidative stress, and endometrial health. Certain minerals such as selenium, calcium, and zinc are essential for the follicular phase and ovulation. Conversely, iron overload, zinc deficiency, insufficient magnesium intake, and copper imbalance can indirectly affect female fertility.
Reference magazines:
Kapper, C., Oppeit, P., Ganhor, C., et al. (2024). Minerals and the menstrual cycle: Effects on ovulation and endometrial health. Nutrients 16(1008) doi:10.3390/nu16071008
Source link
