1^st July 2003

The Right Food Can Improve Fertility

Roasted red peppers, mini crab cakes and Brazil nuts can all help to increase fertility. They will all feature in a special Fertility Buffet, laid on by Dr Margaret Rayman, Director of the MSc Course in Nutritional Medicine at the University of Surrey, on 3 July 2003.

A good, balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables (at least five portions a day) and protein sources such as meat, poultry and fish, is necessary to optimise fertility. Meat is a good source of animal protein and important minerals such as iron and zinc, the latter being especially important for fertility. "Oysters are by far the best source of zinc, but they are not included in this meal, as they are out of season," Dr Rayman explained. "Fatty fish is a very good source of n-3 fatty acids, which are important in the development of the foetus' brain and vision."

To give yourself the best chance of conceiving, alcohol and smoking should be avoided. This applies to both men and women, as there is evidence that sperm damage through smoking can predispose to cancer in the offspring.

All the dishes on the buffet were carefully selected by Vicky Chudleigh, State Registered Dietician from Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge. "The Sunflower, pumpkin & sesame seed bread contains vitamin E, which is claimed to be an aphrodisiac because of its effects on boosting circulation. It is also an antioxidant and needed for fertility," Vicky explained. "Brazil nuts and mini crab cakes are both excellent sources of selenium and required for sperm motility. Without adequate selenium, sperm tails kink and break off. Selenium also minimises the risk of miscarriages."

Roasted red peppers, tomatoes, pesto (containing basil) and of course, chocolate mousse, were all selected for their reputed aphrodisiac qualities. Spinach, together with other dark green leafy vegetables, provide the folate required to reduce the risk of neural tube defect in the developing baby. The cheese platter not only contains calcium and zinc, but also vitamin A, which aids the production of sex hormones. They are all needed for healthy reproduction and libido.

The fertility buffet will not only be a gastronomic experience, but also forms part of the module, Pregnancy, Infancy & Childbirth in the Nutritional Medicine course, aimed at doctors. But there will be no retiring to the drawing room after dinner, as the doctors on the course will need to complete an assignment on dietary advice to give to their patients.

There will be an opportunity to interview Dr Margaret Rayman and photograph or film the Fertility Buffet. To arrange or for further information, please contact Liezel Tipper, Press Officer at the University of Surrey, Tel: 01483 689314 or or E-mail: press-office@surrey.ac.uk

For more information on the Nutritional Medicine course, please contact Julie Paice, Programme Administrator on 01483 686465 or email j.paice@surrey.ac.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. The University of Surrey offers a part-time post-graduate programme in Nutritional Medicine. This is the first university-level, evidence-based Masters' degree course in this subject in the UK and is therefore wholly appropriate for the in-service training of doctors (who receive little or no training in nutrition in medical schools) and other health professionals in the use of nutritional methods of disease prophylaxis and management. The programme, now about to enter its fifth academic year, has attracted a large number of high-quality students, some from outside the UK.
   
   
2. The University of Surrey is one of the UK's leading professional, scientific and technological universities with a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research. Ground-breaking research at the University is bringing direct benefit to all spheres of life - helping industry to maintain its competitive edge and creating improvements in the areas of health, medicine, space science, the environment, communications, defence and social policy. Programmes in science and technology have gained widespread recognition and it also boasts flourishing programmes in dance and music, social sciences, management and languages and law. In addition to the campus on 150 hectares just outside Guildford, Surrey, the University also owns and runs the Surrey Research Park, which provides facilities for 80 companies employing 2,500 staff.

FERTILITY BUFFET

Blinis topped with smoked salmon and horseradish
Crostini's topped with pesto and roasted red peppers

Sunflower, pumpkin, sesame seed and Brazil nut bread
Extra virgin olive oil with parmesan for dipping

Platters

A selection of cold & cured meats
A selection of fish goujons, mini crab cakes with sweet chilli dip & Calamari
Goats cheese, thyme and tomato tart

Salads

Cucumber, fennel, celery & chicory salad
A pasta salad with shredded watercress baby spinach & pesto
Sliced beef tomatoes with a basil dressing

Fruit Kebabs

Dacquoise, a delicate combination of almond meringue with cream and an apricot coulis
Rich Chocolate Mousse
A selection of European cheeses & biscuits
Chocolate Brazil nuts