cell [13-15]. Recently, it has been shown that damage to
DNA in spermatocytes of adults, as a result of micronutrient
deficiencies, can significantly increase the risk of congenital
malformations and even carcinogenesis in descendants [16,17].
Some substances such as cigarette smoking and alcohol can
aggravate deficiencies of crucial nutrients such as folate, zinc,
vitamins C, E and A [11,12]. A condition of undernutrition
during the folliculogenesis, a phase characterized by active
angiogenesis and protein synthesis, results in a poor quality of
the oocyte [18]. Therefore, both in the preconception period
and in the earliest stages of embryonic development, the
nutritional deficiencies and/or nutrient-gene interactions may
be responsible for changes or complications of reproductive
process.