London, Feb 19 (IANS): Maternal diet affects the nutrient composition of fluid in the womb of women, finds new research.

The finding may aid in the development of nutritional interventions to support the very earliest stages of pregnancy.

The research carried out by scientists at the University of Southampton showed that the concentrations of amino acids in the uterine fluid of non-pregnant women were affected by diet: a less healthy diet was associated with altered concentrations of amino acids compared to those with a healthy diet.

"This is the first report showing that diet can alter the nutrient composition of human uterine fluid, which nurtures the early embryo.

"Since we know that the environment in which an early embryo develops is important for future health, recognising that it can be altered by diet is of great significance," said senior study author Franchesca Houghton from the University of Southampton.

"At this stage, our findings are not trying to give dietary advice to women but further research is now required to determine the impact of diet around the time of conception, on the uterine environment and embryo development," she added.

The research was published online in Human Reproduction.