Integrative Insights: The Fertility-Heavy Metal Connection
In my journey as a fertility expert nurse practitioner, I've had the privilege of walking alongside women as they navigate the often-challenging terrain of infertility and recurrent miscarriages. While every journey is unique, I've come to appreciate the deep-rooted connections between our environment and our fertility. One such connection revolves around the role of environmental exposures in our reproductive health.
In the first of this three part series on environmental toxins and toxicants, we are diving into heavy metal exposure and fertility. You might be surprised to find you could be at increased risk. In today's world, we are surrounded by toxins (natural) and toxicants (man-made), many of which can have consequences for our overall health and well-being. In this post, we will be discussing sources of exposure, their potential effects on fertility, and ways to mitigate their impacts.
Mercury
Mercury is a heavy metal that exists in various forms. One of the most harmful forms is methylmercury. It is formed when inorganic mercury, released from industrial processes or volcanic activity, interacts with aquatic or soil bacteria. The primary culprits behind mercury release into our environment are coal-fired power plants.
When it comes to human health, fish consumption is the main route of methylmercury exposure. Mercury accumulates in fish and seafood, with the highest concentrations found in fish that are higher up the food chain. This is because smaller fish containing mercury are consumed by larger fish, leading to an accumulation of the metal in larger predatory fish. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends consuming 8-12 ounces per week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are low in mercury. Mercury is a sneaky disruptor of the endocrine system! As we discussed last week on the blog, it’s important to remember that while fish is a vital source of iodine and selenium, essential for thyroid function, it's crucial to choose those lowest in mercury (you can read up on thyroid disease and fertility HERE).Get more information about the safest seafood choices here: The Smart Seafood Buying Guide
Lead
Once used extensively in paints, gasoline, and pipes, lead has become a lesser concern in the U.S. due to increased regulatory practices. Although lead exposure has decreased over the years, especially in the US, it's still a silent culprit lurking in the background of unexplained infertility. Research indicates there are potential risks associated with even low levels of lead. Apart from affecting IQ levels and causing cardiovascular disease, there's growing concern about its impact on fertility. Decreased sperm count, shape, and movement, lower ovarian reserve, and miscarriages are some of the complications that have been linked to lead exposure.
Arsenic
For those who eat a clean, organic diet, it might be surprising to know that even naturally occurring elements like arsenic can impact fertility. One of the primary concerns around arsenic is its presence in rice, a staple food for much of the world's population. It’s also found in tap water across the US. Arsenic exposure has been associated with various health problems, including disruptions in reproductive health through increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. You can check your local tap water for chemical exposures HERE through the Environmental Working Group, including arsenic. I was shocked to find my local tap water has 364x the recommended level of arsenic! BRB, buying a home water filtration system..
One way to reduce arsenic in rice is to be sure you are rinsing your rice before cooking. Fortunately, our bodies have mechanisms to excrete arsenic through urine. This process, known as methylation, uses folate, highlighting the importance of maintaining optimal folate levels through diet or supplementation. Folate is a staple nutrient in a fertility forward diet, and should be in any prenatal that you are using. My favorite is FullWell Prenatal (you can get 10% off your first order HERE! With the code: ORIGINS10), because, among many other reasons, they use a natural form of folate rather than folic acid.
Cadmium
Unlike the other metals discussed so far, cadmium accumulates in the body over time. This slow and steady buildup can lead to significant health implications. One of the primary exposure sources for humans is through foods, especially those grown in cadmium-rich soils. Long-term exposure to cadmium has been linked to decreased fertility, with implications for both male and female reproductive systems. Particularly, cadmium can lead to reduced ovarian reserve. Farmers can amend the soil, adjusting pH slightly or ensuring there's plenty of organic matter to reduce uptake into foods, but this one is a hard metal to avoid. It’s pervasive nature makes complete avoidance challenging.
Beyond the Common Culprits
Nickel and antimony, although less discussed, also play roles in our reproductive health. Some studies indicate that these metals might be linked to spontaneous abortion or miscarriage, menstrual irregularities, and reduced sperm quality.
Integrative Fertility and The Role of Functional Medicine
Heavy metals, as discussed, have been linked to various reproductive issues. From decreasing the quality of sperm to affecting the ovarian reserve, these metals can play a sinister role in your journey to parenthood. While it's nearly impossible to avoid these metals entirely, being informed about their sources and taking preventive measures can make a difference.
In my practice, I passionately believe in the power of an integrative fertility assessment. Using functional and integrative medicine principles, we dive deep to uncover the root causes of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and other concerns. It's about looking at the bigger picture and understanding how environmental factors, like heavy metal exposure, intertwine with our reproductive health.
Empowering your Fertility Journey
Being informed is your superpower. Knowing how to navigate the maze of heavy metals and their impact on fertility equips you to make informed choices. Whether it's tweaking your diet to include foods rich in antioxidants or considering chelation therapy under expert guidance, every step matters.
And as you forge ahead, remember you're not alone. Together, with compassion, personalization, and a sprinkle of optimism, we can unravel the mysteries of unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage.
As we journey forward in this series, we'll explore more about environmental exposures and endocrine-disrupting compounds, shedding light on their implications for fertility. Stay tuned and stay informed!
-Sara Bennett
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational and educational purposes only. While the author is a medical provider, they are not your medical provider. This content should not be considered as personalized medical advice. Always consult with your own healthcare professional for advice and treatment tailored to your specific needs.ReferencesAgency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). How might I be exposed to mercury? [webpage]. cdc.gov Reviewed: March 12, 2015. Accessed Sept 6, 2021.American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Update on Seafood Consumption During Pregnancy [webpage]. acog.org. January 2017. Accessed Sept 6, 2021.Gamble, M. V., Liu, X., Slavkovich, V., Pilsner, J. R., Ilievski, V., Factor-Litvak, P., Levy, D., Alam, S., Islam, M., Parvez, F., Ahsan, H., & Graziano, J. H. (2007). Folic acid supplementation lowers blood arsenic. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 86(4), 1202–1209. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/86.4.1202Lanphear, B. P., Rauch, S., Auinger, P., Allen, R. W., & Hornung, R. W. (2018). Low-level lead exposure and mortality in US adults: a population-based cohort study. The Lancet. Public health, 3(4), e177–e184. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(18)30025-2Schaefer, H. R., Dennis, S., & Fitzpatrick, S. (2020). Cadmium: Mitigation strategies to reduce dietary exposure. Journal of food science, 85(2), 260–267. https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.14997