Most people don’t realize how important zinc is before conception — for both men and women.

Zinc plays a major role in fertility, hormone balance, and fetal protection. One of its most critical functions is binding and neutralizing heavy metals, which lowers the amount that can cross the placenta during pregnancy.

When zinc levels are low, the placenta becomes more permeable, meaning toxic metals like lead and cadmium reach the fetus more easily.
When zinc levels are adequate, the placenta becomes a much stronger barrier.

Oysters are the single richest natural source of bioavailable zinc on the planet. Just two raw oysters can provide more than the full daily zinc requirement, making them one of the best fertility-supporting foods you can eat.

1. Zinc supplementation for improving pregnancy and infant outcome https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7043363/
2. Nutritional interventions update: zinc supplements during pregnancy https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240030466