Unveiling the Role of Minerals in Fertility with Fertility Dietitian Brooke Boskovich

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles explores the crucial topic of mineral status and its impact on fertility with fertility dietician, Brooke Boskovich. Brooke discusses the key ways mineral status influences fertility and pregnancy. She shares her favorite method for assessing mineral status globally and also provides valuable insights into identifying mineral sufficiency when testing is unavailable. One mineral that receives particular attention is iron, as it plays a vital role in fertility and pregnancy. Brooke explains why iron is important, outlines strategies for testing iron levels, and uncovers the intriguing connection between iron and copper. Furthermore, Brooke reviews the differences between heme and non-heme iron and highlight some of her favorite iron- and copper-rich foods. The episode also addresses listener questions, including tips for managing iron supplement-induced nausea and the duration of focusing on mineral sufficiency before attempting pregnancy. Lastly, the discussion expands to encompass the intersection of mineral sufficiency and gut health. The impact of gut health on mineral absorption, ways to determine adequate stomach acid levels, and methods for supporting healthy stomach acidity are all explored in this insightful episode.