Home » What Is a Fertility Dietitian? Should I See One?
What Is a Fertility Dietitian? Should I See One?
Fertility dietitians optimize bodies for conception. They tailor nutritional and lifestyle routines for clients who are having trouble conceiving.
You’ve likely heard of fertility specialists, but do you know about fertility dietitians? Many people swear by them, and working with one could be what you need to overcome conception hurdles.
First Things First: What Is a Dietitian?
A dietitian is a skilled profession that requires a bachelor’s degree in either nutrition or dietetics. Registered dietitians must also complete over a thousand hours of clinical training. In 2024, the requirements increase, and aspiring dietitians will need to earn a graduate degree in the field.
Dietitians are well-versed in lifecycle nutrition, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, food science and clinical dietetics. In the US, dietitians must fulfill a certain number of continuing education courses every year to remain in good standing and keep up-to-date in related disciplines.
Fact: Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, but you need a degree to be a dietitian.
What Is a Fertility Dietitian?
Fertility dietitians work with people trying to conceive. They develop body-optimizing menu plans for both men and women that increase the likelihood of conception.
Fact: Fertility dietitians, as the name suggests, will tweak your diet and incorporate foods proven to boost conception.
What Are the Benefits of a Fertility Dietitian?
Fertility dietitians can take a panoramic snapshot of your health and lifestyle, analyze it and then provide valuable feedback—usually in the form of a personalized plan—that will get your body in tip-top shape for conception. Fertility dietitians consider:
Fact: Fertility dietitians examine multiple health and lifestyle factors to individualize effective programs for each patient.
Fertility Nutrition: What to Expect?
Nutritionally speaking, fertility dietitians usually start by examining your intake of micronutrients, mercury, vitamin D, zinc and selenium.
Micronutrients—the minerals and vitamins human bodies need to stay healthy—are a major part of fertility health. Your dietitian will likely adjust these proportions in your meal plan and make sure you’re getting enough folic acids and iodine, two essential elements needed for conception.
Mercury will likely be another area of focus for your fertility dietitian. When trying to get pregnant, the less mercury you consume, the better. So eliminating certain fish, like shark, swordfish and, yes, even sushi, may be necessary.
Vitamin D deficiency is another hurdle couples face when trying to get pregnant. Not only is it tied to male fertility, but it’s an essential component needed to grow a healthy fetus. If there’s not enough, eggs may detach.
Selenium and zinc fight free radicals and help rid the body of unwanted sediments left by fried foods, tobacco, pesticides, pollutants, and alcohol—factors that affect sperm strength.
Fact: Balancing the body’s vitamins, minerals and hormones is one way to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
When Should You Get Started with a Fertility Dietitian?
Women with certain conditions like PCOS—polycystic ovarian syndrome—may seek help right away. People who aren’t dealing with preconditions typically enlist a fertility dietitian after six months of trying to conceive with no results.
Many women swear by fertility dietitians and credit their successful pregnancies to following a routine developed by one. It may be right for you, too.
