Does diet have an impact on fertility treatment success?

This study investigated the effect of diet patterns (DP) on the success of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs)

They found that a ‘pro-fertility’ diet (PFD) improved the odds of live birth after ART.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are used to treat infertility. In vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are ARTs. The success rate of ART ranges from 30-40%. Studies suggest that diet may play an important role in ART success. There is no specific guideline for diet during ART. There is evidence that certain nutrients may improve ART success. These nutrients include folic acid, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Fruit and vegetable and seafood intake are also linked to improved ART success.

These studies investigated each nutrient on their own. It is unclear if combining these nutrients in a dietary pattern (DP) may improve ART outcomes. 

This study included 357 women undergoing ART. Before ART patients were asked to complete a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DPs were classified based on set criteria. Scores were calculated for each patient. This was used to measure how closely a patient adhered to the diet. DPs included the Healthy Eating Index (aHEI-2010) and Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet). The authors also created a ‘pro-fertility diet’ (PFD). This was high in nutrients that have been shown to play a role in fertility. DPs were compared to the PFD. Women underwent ART as per standard protocol. The outcomes of interest included confirmed pregnancy (CP) and live birth (LB) rates. 

Women that adhered more closely to a MedDiet had a a higher chance of LB compared to women that those that did not. The more closely a patient adhered to a PFD, the better the ART outcomes. The chance of LB increased by 53% for each PFD score. PFD was linked to a lower risk of failure before embryo transfer and CP loss.

The authors concluded that a PFD improved the odds of live birth after ART.

This was an observational study. There may be other factors that contribute to the effects seen with diet. More investigation is needed. 

If you have any concerns regarding infertility and diet, please consult with your doctor.