Diet high in protein affect conception chances??

Hello :)

We've been ttc for only 2 months, this month I am charting etc but don't believe I have actually O'd. I was remembering back to a year or so ago when I did a very strict protein only diet and that caused my cycles to become longer but didn't even think that it would affect my fertility!!

I exercise and go to the gym 4 times a week and my workouts are at a moderate level so I tend to keep my protein intake a bit higher but I am still eating other foods too so I do think I am eating a balanced diet..

Research on this is little inconclusive saying that a woman with 25% protein in her diet have more difficulty in conception because ammonia levels rise in the reproductive system but this test was done on mice back in 1994 and mice are herbivores so they couldn't be totally sure what affect this would have on women because we have meat in our diets (yes I have done a bit of reading up!!)

Does anyone know any more about this? Is it said to not have a diet with higher protein cause it's affects fertility?? I'm not eating this way to lose weight it's more because I enjoy it and extra protein is needed for my training..... But I am going to change it if it affects my fertility!!! I think o might cut back on some of the protein and see if my chart change..

TIA :)

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Hi ngala,

I have heard possible soy protein can affect fertility but this is inconclusive. I do not think it would affect TTC really.
I have read some other stuff that suggests it is actually good for fertility.

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How Protein Increases Female Fertility

“The recommended protein consumption for nonpregnant women is at least 45 to 50 grams per day,” writes Dr Williams. “Once pregnant, a woman needs to increase her protein intake to at least 60 to 65 grams per day.”

He also says that women who exercise more need to increase their protein intake – and also take more vitamins and minerals via a supplement. And, don’t forget the folic acid…take it before you start trying to conceive a baby!

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So it sounds like as with a lot of things TTC there is a lot of mixed information out there. I don't know if I have actually been any help, but it sounds to me like your leading a very healthy lifestyle and protein is essential for training, so I wouldn't cut it back to dramatically but maybe cut back a little and see.

Cheers snikkers for your reply.

Its a bit confusing cause I have read too that extra protein while pregnant will help with the development of the baby.
How would you actually measure for the 60-65 grams of protein a day? I eat 100g of protein for lunch, along with some rice and 1 peice of fruit afterwards. So would that mean I am already OVER the recommended daily protein intake? And that is just lunch, it doesnt include the protein that I would have for breakfast or dinner!

I guess since the studies are all so inconclusive then I shouldn't worry too much and maybe just cut down the protein to even smaller portions. I will change my eating slightly now and see what happens I guess.

Don't want my DH to think I am lessening our changes of falling pg by consuming too much protein!!

I was on Cohens (high protein/low carb diet) and I fell pregnant twice. When going on it I was told a side effect of the diet is falling pregnant - a great side effect for some!

Before falling pregnant with my DD2 my cycle was all over the place, I even had a 72 day cycle. I started the diet and within the first month I got AF and it came every 28 days after that. Within 3 months I was pregnant.

I definitely believe high protein diets help with conception. As you can see, it is true in my case.

Good luck hun. I wish you a speedy TTC journey :hug:

Lisa,
Well thats interesting!! Thank you for posting cause it means that there might be hope for me yet.
Do you remember how much protein you were consuming daily? Was it from real protein? I am consuming a very good quality protein powder, maybe once or twice a day depending on my level of training..

I guess it just goes to show that there is not too much research in to this as you can read that it is not good for conception and then you can read that it help conception!!