NUTR 301 - Nutrition Through Life: Lecture 2 - Preconception Nutrition

Flashcards created from lecture notes on preconception nutrition, focusing on vocabulary and definitions related to fertility and nutrition.

Fertility

The ability to conceive and bear children.

Infertility

The inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Infecundity

Inability of a woman to produce children.

Subfertility

A reduced level of fertility characterized by unusually long times to conceive.

Miscarriage

The loss of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable, typically within the first 20 weeks.

Healthy People 2030

National objectives aimed at improving health and well-being over the next decade.

Endocrine disturbances

Hormonal imbalances that can impact reproductive health.

Conception

The process of becoming pregnant, involving fertilization of an egg.

Periconceptional period

The time from one month before conception to three months after conception.

Folic Acid

A B-vitamin important for DNA synthesis and cellular division, crucial during pregnancy.

Neural tube defects (NTDs)

Birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord that occur in the early stages of pregnancy.

Iron deficiency anemia

A condition where a lack of iron results in insufficient production of hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Hormonal contraception

Birth control methods that use hormones to prevent ovulation.

Corpus luteum

A hormone-secreting structure that develops in an ovary after an ovum has been discharged.

Luteal phase

The second half of the menstrual cycle following ovulation.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

A hormone that stimulates the release of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum.

Androgens

Male hormones like testosterone that are crucial for male reproductive functions.

Endometriosis

A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing pain and fertility issues.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

A measure of body fat based on height and weight.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstruation.

Progestin

A synthetic form of progesterone used in hormonal contraceptives.

Antioxidant status

The level of antioxidants in the body that can help prevent cellular damage.

Caffeine

A stimulant found in coffee, tea, and other beverages, with mixed effects on fertility.

Zinc status

The level of zinc in the body, which is important for normal sperm quality.

Uterus

The organ in which a fertilized egg implants and a fetus develops.

Ovary

The female reproductive organ that produces eggs and hormones.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone involved in regulating sperm production.

Prostate gland

Gland in males that contributes fluid to semen.

Sperm abnormalities

Defects in sperm quality that can affect fertility.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary.

Pregnancy maintenance

The processes that ensure a successful continuation of pregnancy.

Dietary patterns

Regular choices made about the types and amounts of food consumed.

MyPlate.gov

A dietary guideline promoting a balanced intake of food groups.

Insulin levels

The concentration of insulin in the blood, which can be altered by hormonal contraceptives.

Tolerable Upper Intake Levels

The maximum daily intake of a nutrient unlikely to cause harmful effects.

Environmental exposures

External factors that can influence health, such as pollutants or chemicals.

Follicular phase

The first half of the menstrual cycle where the follicle matures.

Neural plate

The structure that develops into the neural tube.

Crohns disease

An inflammatory bowel disease that can affect fertility due to nutritional malabsorption.

Physical activity

Movement that enhances physical fitness and can impact hormonal levels.

Gender roles

Socially constructed roles and behaviors typically associated with being male or female.

Chronic inflammation

Long-term inflammation that can affect reproductive health.

Preventive maintenance

Actions taken to improve health and reduce risks.

Weight gain treatments

Interventions aimed at increasing body weight to improve health outcomes.

Nutritional supplementation

Intake of vitamins or minerals to support health status.

Estrogen exposure

Contact with or ingestion of estrogen, which can influence reproductive functions.

Oxidative stress

An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

An infection of the female reproductive organs that can affect fertility.