Roundworm Found In Human Gut Could Boost Fertility In Women, Study Suggests
Could This Intestinal Worm Improve A Woman's Fertility?
Natasha Hinde— The Huffington Post UK
Roundworms could hold the key to improving a woman's fertility, research suggests.
The parasitic worm, which is found in the human gut, might be responsible for altering the immune system in women - making them more likely to become pregnant.
A nine-year study of 986 women in Bolivia found that those who had been infested by ascaris lumbricoides (a type of roundworm) were likely to have more children and get pregnant more quickly than uninfected women.
Researchers believe their findings could be used in developing fertility-enhancing drugs.
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The study of Tsimane women in Bolivia examined two types of worm found in their bodies - hookworm and roundworm.
Lead author Aaron Blackwell, an assistant professor in University of California Santa Barbara's Department of Anthropology, said: "We found that different species of helminths - a family of parasitic intestinal worms - could have either positive or negative effects on the timing of a Tsimane woman's next pregnancy.
"Hookworm infection tended to increase the length of the intervals between births and that was consistent across all ages. But younger women infected with roundworm had shorter birth intervals."
Researchers said women infected by hookworm have, on average, three fewer children than uninfected women. Meanwhile, women infected with roundworm are likely to have two more children than uninfected women.
"These opposing effects are likely due to helminth (worm) infection affecting the immune system, which in turn affects the likelihood of conception," said Blackwell.
He believes the findings, which were published in the journal Science, could have "implications for fertility in developed populations, where many fertility problems are connected to autoimmune disorders".
But Dr Helen Webberley, the dedicated GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy, urges women to interpret this kind of research carefully.
"This study of 986 women who have carried the parasite, does show they have had two more children, but unless this is what the study set out to ask then it is an incidental finding.
"There have been many incidental findings in medical research that have turned out to be a complete coincidence."
She continues: "In order for the study to provide meaningful results it would need to follow 986 women who have the infection and compare them with 986 who have not, specifically asking the question 'do they have more children?' or 'are they more fertile?'. The results would then give us a formal answer.
"In the meantime, for improved chances of conception, we need to rely on modern medicines such as Clomid which are evidence-based."
The magic nutrient: Vitamin B6.This is one of the most important vitamins in aiding conception as it regulates the hormones. A B6 deficiency can lead to irregular menstruation and can also lead to poor egg and sperm development. (credit:Getty Images)
Asparagus(02 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Folic acid.Studies have found that folic acid can help reduce the risk of ovulatory failure. Women are also strongly advised to take folic acid supplements when trying to conceive. (credit:Getty Images)
Shellfish(03 of10)
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The magic nutrient: B12.Studies have suggested a link between B12 deficiency and abnormal oestrogen levels that may interfere with implantation of the fertilised egg. B12 may also help to strengthen the endometrium lining in egg fertilisation, decreasing the risk of miscarriage. (credit:Getty Images )
Eggs (04 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Vitamin D.A study by Yale University took Vitamin D measurements from 67 infertile women and found that only 7% of them had normal vitamin D levels, while the other 93% had either insufficient of clinical deficiency. They also found that none of the patients with PCOS had normal vitamin D levels. (credit:Getty Images)
Almonds(05 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Vitamin E.Studies suggest vitamin E can improve sperm health in men. A deficiency of vitamin E has also been linked to infertility in female rats. If you’re not convinced that an experiment with rats is evidence enough, it's also an antioxidant that helps to protect sperm and egg DNA. (credit:Getty Images)
Citrus fruit(06 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Vitamin C.A study in which infertile men were given 1,000mg of vitamin C twice daily, found that their sperm count and motility (their ability to move properly towards an egg) were improved. The vitamin is also said to improve hormone balance in women. (credit:Getty Images)
Tofu(07 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Iron.According to fertility expert, Hethir Rodriguez, “Studies have shown that women who do not get sufficient amounts of iron may suffer lack of ovulation and possibly poor egg health, which can inhibit pregnancy at a rate 60% higher than those with sufficient iron stores in their blood.” (credit:Getty Images)
Salmon(08 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Selenium.This mineral produces antioxidants that protect the eggs and sperm from free radicals. It can help prevent chromosome breakage, which is known to cause birth defects and miscarriages. Research also suggests that selenium may also make sperm more fertile. (credit:Getty Images)
Peas(09 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Zinc.Increasing zinc levels in infertile men has been shown to boost sperm levels, improve the form, function and quality of male sperm and decrease male fertility. For women, a lack of zinc can lead to an imbalance of oestrogen and progesterone. (credit:Getty Images)
Mackerel(10 of10)
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The magic nutrient: Essential fatty acids.These are, um, essential, for a strong reproductive system in women. DHA, one of the fatty acids found in fish oil has a significant impact on sperm health. A fatty acid deficiency leads to an increase in cholesterol in the sperm membrane which prevents sperm from proper maturation. (credit:Getty Images)