Sugar ‘by-product’ link to womb, pregnancy health uncovered

A woman’s pre-pregnancy diet could have a greater impact on fertility and pregnancy than previously thought, according to new research by Hudson Institute of Medical Research scientists.

The study found that certain proteins, which become ‘toxic’ after exposure to sugar, trigger inflammation in the womb in infertile women with obesity. This may reduce the likelihood of a woman falling pregnant and could even contribute to pregnancy complications.

The findings of the study, led by Dr Jemma Evans, have been published in the journal, Human Reproduction.

“We all know about the importance of a healthy maternal diet to ensure the health of the baby during pregnancy. Now, what is becoming clear is that what women eat while trying to conceive – particularly sugar and highly processed foods – can have a direct impact on fertility,” Dr Evans, a Fielding Foundation Fellow, says.

The study is co-authored by Professor Lois Salamonsen and Monash University undergraduate Gabriella Antoniotti at Hudson Institute, together with Associate Professor Melinda Coughlan from Monash University’s Department of Diabetes.

In the study, the team analysed samples from the uterus, including from women with obesity, who are more prone to infertility and pregnancy complications, and who are known to have elevated levels of AGEs.

“We discovered that these sugar ‘by-products’, or specific toxic factors, detrimentally alter the cells in the lining of the womb, making it harder for an embryo to implant,” Dr Evans says.

“We also found that AGEs interfere with placental development, which may contribute to pregnancy complications. This is the first time anyone has demonstrated in laboratory studies that specific toxic factors in the womb can compromise fertility.”

AGE levels can be reduced with a highly controlled diet or by a specific drug. A low-AGE diet has been shown to improve health outcomes in other diseases, such as reducing insulin resistance in diabetes, in as little as four weeks. To date, this controlled diet hasn’t been tested in relation to fertility.

Dietary intervention – clinical trial

To test the findings in women, Dr Evans is now designing a clinical trial of a simple eight-week dietary intervention to try to reduce levels of these toxic factors in the womb. The aim is to help more women fall pregnant and have healthier pregnancies.

Dr Evans says the womb is likely to respond to a short-term intervention, like a dietary change, to restore fertility because it regenerates every month.

“Unlike the heart, kidneys or liver, the endometrium is the only place in the body that completely regrows every 28 days. If successful, this simple dietary intervention may become a more holistic way to improve fertility and potentially avoid the need for costly interventions such as IVF.”