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IL1B Gene and Pregnancy: What Your rs1143634 Genotype Means for Immune Balance and Pregnancy Health

Pregnancy requires careful immune and hormonal coordination to allow the embryo to implant, grow, and develop. The IL1B gene makes interleukin 1 beta, a signaling protein that helps regulate inflammation and immune responses during early pregnancy. Appropriate IL-1B activity supports implantation and placental development. Too much inflammation can increase risk for complications while too little may impair necessary processes. Your genotype at rs1143634 can influence typical IL-1B levels and therefore affect immune balance at the maternal-fetal interface.

How to Read These Results

  • rs1143634 is a variation in the IL1B gene. Genotypes are AA, AG, or GG.
  • One or two copies of the A allele tend to be associated with lower IL-1B activity and reduced inflammation-related risk for recurrent miscarriage.
  • All genotypes can benefit from lifestyle and nutritional approaches that support a balanced immune environment for pregnancy.

General Strategies to Support Immune Balance and Fertility

Regardless of genotype, adopt habits that promote a healthy inflammatory balance and overall reproductive health:

  • Anti-inflammatory diet: prioritize vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and extra virgin olive oil. Reduce ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats.
  • Polyphenols and antioxidants: colorful fruits and vegetables, green tea, berries, and herbs provide compounds that support healthy immune activity.
  • Gut health: fiber from diverse plant foods and targeted probiotic strains may support immune regulation. Fermented foods can be included if tolerated.
  • Key nutrients: ensure adequate vitamin D and zinc status. These nutrients support immune modulation and reproductive health.
  • Gentle regular exercise: low to moderate activity supports circulation, insulin sensitivity, and inflammatory balance. Avoid excessive high-intensity work during conception attempts unless cleared by your provider.
  • Stress management and sleep: chronic stress and poor sleep raise pro-inflammatory signals. Use stress reduction practices and prioritize 7 to 9 hours of restorative sleep.
  • Avoid environmental toxins: reduce exposure to cigarette smoke, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and unnecessary chemical exposures in the home and personal care products.
  • Work with your healthcare provider: check relevant blood tests and tailor supplementation and interventions to your clinical context.

Diet, Supplements, and Tests to Consider

  • Diet: Mediterranean-style eating pattern emphasizing vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
  • Supplements to discuss with your provider: vitamin D if deficient, zinc if low, a prenatal multivitamin with folate, and probiotics targeted for reproductive health if appropriate.
  • Blood tests to consider: 25-hydroxyvitamin D, serum zinc, complete blood count, thyroid function, and any fertility-specific markers recommended by your provider.
  • Lifestyle: regular moderate movement, sleep hygiene, mindfulness practices, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol.

Genetic Interpretation for rs1143634 (IL1B)

2 effect alleles (AA)

If you have the AA genotype at rs1143634, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This profile is associated with a decreased risk of recurrent miscarriage. The IL1B gene produces interleukin 1 beta, a pro-inflammatory molecule that influences immune activity during pregnancy. With two A alleles, you likely produce lower levels of IL-1B, creating a more balanced immune environment at the maternal-fetal interface. Lower IL-1B helps limit excessive Th17 cell activity and IL-17 signaling, supporting healthier embryo implantation and placental development.

Practical steps to support this genetic advantage

  • Maintain an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and polyphenol-rich foods.
  • Support gut health with diverse fiber and probiotic foods or supplements after consulting your provider.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin D and zinc levels through testing and supplementation if needed.
  • Keep regular, gentle exercise and prioritize stress reduction and good sleep.
  • Limit exposure to environmental toxins and avoid smoking and excess alcohol.
1 effect allele (AG)

If you have the AG genotype at rs1143634, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This profile is associated with a likely decreased risk of recurrent miscarriage. The A allele may lead to somewhat lower IL-1B production, helping maintain a balanced immune environment at the maternal-fetal interface. This supports embryo implantation and early placental development by reducing the likelihood of excessive inflammation that can compromise early pregnancy.

Practical steps to support this genetic advantage

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet emphasizing whole plant foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Include probiotic and prebiotic foods to support a balanced microbiome.
  • Discuss vitamin D and zinc testing with your provider and replace deficiencies as recommended.
  • Engage in consistent moderate physical activity, and use stress management tools such as breathing, yoga, or meditation.
  • Prioritize sleep and reduce exposures to household and environmental toxins.
0 effect alleles (GG)

If you have the GG genotype at rs1143634, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. Your IL1B activity follows a typical pattern with standard levels of IL-1B production and immune signaling during embryo implantation and early pregnancy. Standard IL-1B activity supports necessary inflammatory signaling while still requiring balance to avoid excessive or prolonged inflammation.

Practical steps to optimize immune balance

  • Adopt a Mediterranean-style, anti-inflammatory diet focusing on whole foods and minimizing ultra-processed items.
  • Work on gut health through fiber variety and consider probiotics with your provider.
  • Confirm adequate vitamin D and zinc status and supplement if tests indicate deficiency.
  • Maintain regular moderate exercise and prioritize sleep and stress reduction.
  • Minimize environmental chemical exposures and avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

  • If you have a history of recurrent miscarriage or infertility, seek evaluation and testing tailored to your situation.
  • Before starting any supplements, especially during preconception and pregnancy.
  • For personalized recommendations based on blood tests, medical history, medications, or other genetic results.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational and designed to help you understand how genetic variation at IL1B rs1143634 may relate to immune balance and pregnancy health. Always consult your healthcare provider before making clinical decisions, starting new supplements, or changing your treatment plan.