Nutrition plays a critical role in fertility, during pregnancy and the first 1000 days after birth, however how nutrition services have been delivered has not evolved over the years. In this article we dive into the role of nutrition and new innovation for this specific target group.

By Stephanie Tucker

The Impact of Personalized Nutrition on Fertility and Pregnancy

As more attention is drawn toward the importance of diet in different life stages, personalized nutrition is gaining further traction into the role of nutrition through the lifespan and in conception and pregnancy. It is widely accepted that improvement in nutrition of women before and during pregnancy will result in improved long-term health for mother and child, however there is a significant need for robust scientific research on the direct outcomes between diet qualities and the health of the child. Poor nutritional status during pregnancy is associated abnormal growth and increased risk of childhood diseases (Neves et al, 2020). There is also growing research into diet and nutritional factors in fertility, not just for women but also for men with semen quality estimated to have deteriorated by 50% in the last 40 years (Levine et al, 2017).

The role of Digital health in pregnancy and fertility

Digital health is the provision of health services via digital or remote means. Digital health solutions offer more accessible and at times affordable support to individuals and couples throughout conception their journey. Technologies range from mobile apps and wearables to telehealth platforms that allow women to track health metrics such as ovulation, menstruation and prenatal symptoms. Digital health solutions offer many benefits including real-time feedback, 24/7 support, nutritional advice and stress management. It is also important to note that digital solutions are often significantly cheaper than traditional in-person care, making it more accessible for users. AI-powered platforms have demonstrated the potential for tailored recommendations for health based on personal health data, which can significantly enhance care and engagement.

From a study by Henrich et al (2024), which carried out surveys with 147 pregnant women, they found that the main reasons women will use digital health resources, is to:

• find out what is considered normal during pregnancy
• to have quick access to a healthcare provider 
• to know how the baby is developing

The same study also asked women postpartum and found the most common reasons for accessing digital health resources were for breastfeeding support, knowledge about what normal baby development is and support with the baby's health issues. It was also determined that the most desired features of a platform include trustworthy information, non-judgemental support and low cost (Henrich et al, 2024). Virtual healthcare for pregnancy and fertility only has advantages over in-person when it is designed carefully for peoples needs, with an emphasis on reliable and affordable information.

Personalized nutrition in conception and pregnancy

Nutritional needs during conception and pregnancy are influenced by a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle choices, and individual health status. For example, genetic variations such as those in the MTHFR gene can affect how the body processes folic acid, a key nutrient in preventing birth defects. Women with this variation may benefit from direct supplementation of L-methylfolate instead of standard folic acid, to effectively reduce the risk of neural tube defects (Greenberg et al, 2011). Similarly, lifestyle factors like physical activity, stress levels, and environmental exposures can alter nutritional requirements, highlighting the need for a more customized dietary approach.

Personalized dietary plans tailored to individual needs can significantly improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes. For instance, men with low semen quality may benefit from a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, adjusted to their specific health profiles (Falsig et al, 2019). Women may require targeted supplements, such as iron or vitamin D, to support both their health and the development of the foetus. Through genetic testing (called nutrigenomics) and personalized nutrition, couples can address specific deficiencies or metabolic conditions, enhancing their chances of a healthy conception and pregnancy.

State of nutrition science

Recent research has increasingly highlighted the critical role of nutrition in conception and pregnancy, with studies linking specific dietary patterns to improved fertility and pregnancy outcomes. For example, diets rich in whole foods, antioxidants, and healthy fats have been associated with higher fertility rates and improved health of the child and mother (Marshall et al, 2022). Advances in nutrigenomics are also shedding light on how genetic factors influence nutrient metabolism, enabling more precise, personalized nutrition plans that cater to individual needs. Additionally, emerging trends like the use of generative AI in dietary planning during pregnancy are helping to refine these personalized approaches by analyzing vast amounts of data to optimize nutritional recommendations. Furthermore, the growing understanding of gut health and the microbiome's role in conception and pregnancy underscores the importance of a balanced diet that supports a healthy microbial environment and immune function, important for implantation (Qi et al, 2021).

The microbiome plays a crucial role in pregnancy and birth, influencing both maternal and fetal health. The maternal gut microbiome significantly changes during pregnancy with hormonal and immunological changes needed for fetal growth. Recent research shows that a healthy gut microbiome helps regulate the immune system, aids in nutrient absorption, and may reduce the risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth (Lu et al, 2024). Disruptions in the maternal microbiome, caused by factors such as poor diet, antibiotic use and stress, have been linked to negative pregnancy outcomes. A healthy maternal gut microbiome has also been linked to normal development in infants after birth and some studies recommend probiotic and prebiotic supplementation to support a healthy gut microbiome during pregnancy (DuPont et al, 2023).

Innovators in personalized nutrition for conception and pregnancy

Women have been asking for more support and information before and during pregnancy for a long time. This historic lack of funding in women's health services has opened up opportunities for women to take matters into their own hands, literally. Next we describe a few innovators in the industry.

NineMoons - A platform that offers personalized nutrition and health support tailored specifically for pregnancy. They offer support throughout the various stages of pregnancy, adapting recommendations to the changing needs of both the mother and baby. With tools to track essential health metrics such as diet, weight, and supplement intake, Nine Moons helps expectant mothers monitor their progress and make informed decisions. Additionally, they offer one-on-one consultations with nutrition experts to create customized health plans based on individual factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environment.

Parla - Parla provides support for individuals and couples on their conception journey, offering expert-led courses and resources focused on fertility. Their approach combines practical advice on nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional well-being, aimed at helping users navigate the challenges of conception, whether naturally or with assistance like IVF. Parla also emphasizes mental health, offering tools to manage stress and stay positive during the process.

Nutrigenomix - Use genetic testing to create personalized nutrition plans based on an individual's genetic profile. By identifying specific genetic variations that affect how nutrients are metabolized, such as those influencing folic acid processing, Nutrigenomix helps tailor dietary recommendations that can improve health outcomes during conception and pregnancy. 

Field Doctor - A personalized meal delivery company that create menus based off an individuals requirements and goals, and deliver to their doorstep. They produce meals to support women's health through the lifespan and offer a new parent bundle to support postpartum recovery.

Women may require targeted supplements, such as iron or vitamin D, to support both their health and the development of the foetus 

Current challenges in using personalized nutrition in conception and pregnancy

There are significant barriers to the adoption of personalized nutrition in conception and pregnancy including accessibility, cost, and public awareness. There are also some ethical considerations around genetic testing for personalized nutrition such as emotional and social side effects, the impact on the patient’s family and there are some concerns around the safety of the genetic data and how it is stored.

Challenges in educating healthcare providers and patients about personalized nutrition include resistance to changing established practices and the need for ongoing education. Alongside the fact that current research is limited and there are significant knowledge gaps that need to be filled to reassure healthcare practitioners that the advice is safe and robust before being given to clients.

 

Opportunities for companies and brands

There is huge market potential for personalized nutrition products and services targeted at conception and pregnancy, with room for innovation in supplements, meal planning services, and digital health tools. The fertility supplements market alone is predicted to reach 3.95B USD by 2032 (Market.US).

There are also partnership opportunities with healthcare providers and fertility clinics, as fertility continues to decline globally. With a significant lack of robust scientific research there is potential for new research and product development in these areas, which presents opportunities for companies to be pioneers in developing products and furthering knowledge in the role of nutrition in conception and pregnancy.

Conclusion

The growing recognition of nutrition's pivotal role in conception and pregnancy has spurred significant advancements in personalized nutrition. Tailored dietary plans, informed by genetic testing and cutting-edge technology, are becoming increasingly accessible, offering expectant mothers and couples struggling with fertility a more precise approach to achieving healthy outcomes. Despite challenges such as accessibility, cost, and ethical considerations, the potential for innovation and impact in this field is immense. Companies and researchers leading the way in personalized nutrition are not only improving maternal and child health but are also setting the stage for a new era of holistic, individualized care in reproductive health.

References

1. Neves et al, 2020 | https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-59034-y 
2. Levine et al, 2017 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28981654/ 
3. Henrich et al, 2024 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10818239/ 
4. Greenberg et al, 2011 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3218540/  
5. Falsig et al. 2019 | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/andr.12649 
6. Marshall et al, 2022 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9182711/ 
7. Qi et al. 2021 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10011374/ 
8. Lu et al, 2024 | https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1362784/full 
9. DuPont et al, 2023 | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10668833/ 
10. Nutrigenomics | https://nutrigenomix.com/ 
11. NineMoons | https://ninemoons.app/ 
12. Parla | https://myparla.com/
13. Field Doctor | https://beta.fielddoctor.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOordHqt8Sp4i-53pLxFSXO-xfWCr0AmTJoe107ZLTsRXQcjD0ZxS