What the heck is the โZinc Sparkโ?!
Feb 11, 2025The “zinc spark” is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs once an egg is fertilized. Visible via a high-powered microscope, a halo of light emanates from the egg, produced by a massive burst of zinc ions. ( (Isn’t it visually stunning?! I think it looks very “lunar”.) The zinc spark was only “discovered” in 2016, so there is likely a lot more to learn. What is shown in the research is fascinating:
๐ This ionic burst is triggered by the sperm activating the release of calcium within the egg and then triggering zinc to be released from within the egg cortex.
๐ the larger the zinc speak, the more likely the fertilized egg will divide and grow into an embryo! (Think of this application for IVF)
Not surprisingly, adequate dietary intake of zinc is something I recommend to my preconception and pregnancy coaching clients.
๐ฆช oysters and beef liver have incredibly high amounts of zinc. Some choose not to eat liver once pregnant due to concerns of excess vitamin A, although small amount of well-sourced liver is packed with essential pregnancy nutrients. I, for one, could not stomach it! Other sources are red meat, pumpkin seeds, and tahini.
๐ง zinc also helps you to absorb folate, a crucial nutrient for fetal neurodevelopment.
๐คฐ๐ฟ zinc deficiency is linked to prevent poor pregnancy outcomes ranging from miscarriage to fetal growth restriction.
๐ many highly quality vitamins such as @needed are including gentle, well absorbed forms of zinc as a security blanket when you’re potentially not getting enough from food. This is especially true if you are vegan or vegetarian.
ใฐ๏ธ Zinc helps male partners too! Zinc is essential for sperm health (morphology as well as sperm count) and protects the sperm from harm and degradation as it travels to the egg.
If you want to delve deeper, I highly recommend @lilynicholsrdn Real Food for Fertility book. (And all of her other books too :)
Sources are cited in comments.
๐ซThis is not medical advice. Always discuss with care team any dietary or supplement changes you are wishing to make.
#ttc #ttccommunity #ttcjourney #zinc #zincspark #ivf #fertility #fertilityjourney
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