Proov's Recommendation of Sesame and Sunflower Seeds for Luteal Phase Support
Direct Answer
The provided medical evidence does not contain any information about Proov's recommendation of sesame and sunflower seeds as "luteal phase seeds" for fertility support. This appears to be a commercial wellness product recommendation that lacks support in the clinical guidelines and research evidence provided, which focus exclusively on evidence-based hormonal interventions for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology.
Evidence-Based Luteal Phase Support
The medical literature addresses luteal phase support through pharmacological interventions, not dietary seed supplementation:
Established Medical Interventions
Progesterone is the first-line therapy for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive technology cycles, with vaginal progesterone being the preferred route of administration 1, 2, 3.
Progesterone supplementation significantly improves live birth rates (OR 2.95% CI 1.02-8.56) and clinical pregnancy rates (OR 1.83,95% CI 1.29-2.61) compared to placebo 3.
The luteal phase is characterized by elevated estrogen and progesterone levels that improve glucose metabolism, increase glycogen storage in skeletal muscle, and enhance free fatty acid availability 4.
Nutritional Considerations During Luteal Phase
The evidence does address some nutritional factors during the luteal phase, but these relate to macronutrients for athletic performance, not seed consumption:
Protein requirements may be higher during the luteal phase (at least 1.6 g/kg/day during follicular phase, potentially higher in luteal phase) due to increased progesterone-driven protein catabolism 4, 5.
High carbohydrate intake 3-4 hours before exercise during the luteal phase can mitigate altered metabolism effects 4, 5.
Estrogen during the luteal phase creates a protein-sparing effect with higher lipid oxidation rates and lower carbohydrate metabolism compared to the follicular phase 4.
Critical Gap in Evidence
There is no published guideline or research evidence in the provided materials supporting the use of sesame or sunflower seeds specifically for luteal phase support or fertility enhancement. The recommendation appears to be based on commercial wellness marketing rather than evidence-based medicine. Any purported benefits would need rigorous randomized controlled trials demonstrating improved fertility outcomes (live birth rates, clinical pregnancy rates) before clinical recommendation.