Fertility, Sperm Health, and Nutrition Before and During Pregnancy | Dr Federica Amati

2026-07-13

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We tend to treat pregnancy as the starting line for a child's health. In this episode, Dr Federica Amati, Head Nutritionist at ZOE, makes the evidence-based case that the window opens earlier, in the months before conception, and that it shapes fertility and lifelong health in ways most of us were never told. What I valued most is her balance. The science is striking, but she frames it as information to act on rather than a reason for guilt, and she is honest about how much sits with environment and policy rather than individual...

What I valued most is her balance. The science is striking, but she frames it as information to act on rather than a reason for guilt, and she is honest about how much sits with environment and policy rather than individual choice.

What we cover:

Why the first 1,000 days may be the longevity lever almost no one talks about
How a father's metabolic health links to his child's brain, and a mother's to their metabolism
The 90-day preconception window, and what both partners can do
What the decline in sperm counts really means for individuals
GLP-1 medications, fertility, and a contraception detail too few people hear
Protein, eggs, soy, and choosing a prenatal supplement, myths included

Whether you are planning a pregnancy, supporting a partner, or simply curious about how much of our health is set before birth, I think this one will stay with you.

To connect with Dr Federica Amati, follow her on Instagram and explore her work at ZOE.

If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to rate and review The Proof on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It genuinely helps more people find these conversations.

Intro (00:00)
Why Your Baby's Health Is Set Before Birth (03:13)
Dr. Federica Amati's Background in Maternal Nutrition (07:41)
What 48 of 52 Cell Differentiations Means for Your Baby (15:33)
How Egg and Sperm Health Drive Conception Outcomes (21:40)
Does What You Do Preconception Affect the Baby Too (26:09)
Sperm DNA and Placental Health: The Father's Hidden Role (30:39)
Heat, Laptops, and Sauna: What Kills Sperm Quality (32:56)
Is the 50% Sperm Count Decline Real (39:32)
Soy Foods, Testosterone, and Male Fertility Myths Debunked (44:30)
Foods to Avoid in the 90-Day Preconception Window (48:10)
GLP-1 Drugs, Fertility, and Unplanned Pregnancies (54:28)
First Trimester Nausea: What Actually Helps (59:42)
How to Choose a Prenatal Supplement (01:04:34)
How Much Protein Do You Actually Need in Pregnancy (01:07:30)
Can a Plant-Based Diet Work During Pregnancy (01:11:59)
Tylenol in Pregnancy: Is It Safe (01:15:55)

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Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)