A study undertaken by researchers in the University of Southampton has revealed that a woman's diet at the time of conception could play a role in the health of her unborn child.

The study, which has been published in Human Reproduction, highlights the fact that amino acids in the uterine fluid of non-pregnant women were affected by dietary and nutrition factors.

Commenting on the study, Dr. Francesca Houghton said: "This is the first report showing that diet can alter the nutrient composition of human uterine fluid, which nurtures the early embryo."

Explaining the importance of the findings, Dr. Houghton goes on to say: "Since we know that the environment in which an early embryo develops is important for future health, recognising that it can be altered by diet is of great significance."

The study which was funded by the Medical Research Council, the National Institute for Health Research and the University of Southampton does not aim to give dietary advice to women, but instead hopes to determine dietary factors which play a role in an embryo's development, with Dr. Houghton saying: "Further research is now required to determine the impact of diet around the time of conception, on the uterine environment and embryo development."

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