We’re used to thinking of protein as numbers on a nutrition label. Grams in, grams out. But here’s the thing: your body cares about what kind of protein you eat, not just about how much you eat. And for women, especially those thinking about trying to conceive, freeze their eggs or go through IVF, the source of protein can matter as much as the amount.
Today, many health-conscious women lean on quinoa bowls, lentil soups, or almond snacks. Plant-based proteins can be wonderful, but when it comes to fertility, relying on them alone can leave gaps. The reason? Not all proteins are created equal, our bodies need the 20 amino acids building blocks that make up the aggregate “protein” category, but some sources of protein: i) have a greater catalog of these building blocks and ii) are absorbed at different rates.