No Evidence That Okra Leaves or Cassava Increase Twin Chances
There is no scientific evidence that consuming okra leaves or cassava increases the likelihood of having twins. This appears to be a folk belief without medical support, and cassava may actually pose teratogenic risks during pregnancy.
What the Evidence Shows
Cassava and Pregnancy Risks
- The only available research on cassava and pregnancy demonstrates potential harm, not benefits for twin conception 1
- Animal studies show cassava consumption during early pregnancy caused fetal abnormalities including limb defects, microcephaly, and growth retardation in rats 1
- Cassava releases cyanide (0.1-2 mg/100 gm) through enzymatic action, which has been correlated with various neuropathies 1
- No studies exist demonstrating cassava increases twinning rates 1
Okra Leaves
- No medical literature exists examining okra leaves and twin pregnancy rates
- This appears to be entirely folkloric without any research basis
What Actually Influences Twin Rates
Established Risk Factors
The American College of Radiology identifies the following evidence-based factors that increase twin pregnancy likelihood:
- Advanced maternal age 2
- Higher parity (number of previous pregnancies) 2
- Assisted reproductive technologies (IVF/fertility treatments) - the primary driver of increased twin rates 2, 3
- Family history of dizygotic twins 2
The Folic Acid Controversy (Resolved)
Early studies suggested folic acid might increase twinning, but this has been definitively disproven:
- The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found no clear, consistent evidence that folic acid increases twin rates 4
- Initial associations were entirely due to confounding by fertility treatments 3
- After accounting for IVF pregnancies and underreporting, the adjusted odds ratio was 1.02 (0.85-1.24) - essentially no effect 3
- Multiple guideline bodies confirm folic acid supplementation should continue for neural tube defect prevention without concern for increased twinning 4, 5
Important Safety Considerations
Why This Matters
- Twin pregnancies carry 5-fold increased fetal death and 7-fold increased neonatal death compared to singletons 6, 2
- Complications include preterm delivery, growth restriction, twin-twin transfusion syndrome, and maternal hypertensive disorders 4, 6
- Attempting to increase twin chances through unproven dietary methods is medically inadvisable given these substantial risks 4, 6
Cassava-Specific Warnings
- Cassava has documented teratogenic potential in animal models 1
- Excessive consumption during pregnancy has been suspected by clinicians as causing congenital anomalies 1
- Cassava should not be consumed in large quantities during pregnancy, particularly in early gestation 1
Clinical Bottom Line
Counsel patients that no foods or supplements reliably increase twin conception rates. The primary determinants are genetics, maternal age, parity, and fertility treatments 2. Pursuing twin pregnancy through dietary manipulation lacks evidence and may introduce unnecessary risks, particularly with cassava consumption 1. Women desiring pregnancy should focus on evidence-based preconception care, including folic acid supplementation for neural tube defect prevention 4.