Too Much Fiber May Foul Up Fertility

Americans have been urged to eat more fiber as well as less fat. New research suggests, however, that following the recommendations too closely may not be helpful for women who would like to conceive. The study included 250 women between the ages of 18 and 44. Those who actually ate at least 20 grams of fiber daily were 10 times more likely to have menstrual cycles with no ovulation. When no egg is released, pregnancy cannot occur. Fiber changes the amount of estrogen re-absorbed from the gut and women with high fiber intakes had lower levels of estrogen in their blood streams. It is still too early to recommend that women cut back on fiber to boost fertility, according to the investigators.
[American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, October 2009]