News | Mediterranean Diet May Improve IVF Success Rates
Research suggests that a Mediterranean diet may be a simple, effective adjunct for women whose in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has been unsuccessful. By contrast, a Western dietary pattern may adversely affect IVF success. The analysis was conducted by Professor Roger Hart of the University of Western Australia and City Fertility Centre in Perth and published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online.
Professor Hart noted that the use of nutritional supplements during IVF remains unclear. He said supplements are generally not prescribed by doctors but purchased online or over the counter, making reliable data on self-medication difficult to obtain. Much of the available information comes from IVF discussion forums, although these supplements are clearly widely used and attract considerable interest.
Nutritional Supplements Compared With the Mediterranean Diet
The study analyzed nine common supplements: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), melatonin, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), carnitine, selenium, vitamin D, inositol, Omega-3 fatty acids, and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as several diets, including weight-loss diets. DHEA and CoQ10 showed relatively favorable effects in patients who had responded poorly to previous IVF treatment. Melatonin also showed some benefit, but the appropriate patient groups and doses remain unclear.
Evidence for the Mediterranean diet was stronger than for supplements. Several well-designed randomized clinical trials found significant benefits for embryo development and pregnancy outcomes, even with a six-week intervention. The diet emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oils while limiting highly processed foods. Professor Hart explained that it is rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fiber, and low in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.
Specific Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids are the most extensively studied dietary fats in IVF research, largely because of their perceived benefits for general and reproductive health. Evidence suggests they may improve some IVF clinical outcomes and embryo quality. Antioxidants are often taken in combinations, but a major review of 63 studies of reproductive antioxidants found low-quality evidence that did not establish a benefit for live birth rates.
Based on the evidence, Professor Hart suggested that a Mediterranean diet is a simple nutritional approach during IVF. CoQ10 and DHEA may be useful adjuncts before IVF for women who previously responded poorly to ovarian stimulation, while Omega-3 free fatty acid supplementation may improve some clinical and embryological outcomes.
Professor Hart also recommended adequate folic acid supplementation for all women trying to conceive and consultation with a general practitioner or specialist to ensure optimal health before pregnancy.
News | Mediterranean Diet May Improve IVF Success Rates
News | Mediterranean Diet May Improve IVF Success Rates
Research suggests that a Mediterranean diet may be a simple, effective adjunct for women whose in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has been unsuccessful. By contrast, a Western dietary pattern may adversely affect IVF success. The analysis was conducted by Professor Roger Hart of the University of Western Australia and City Fertility Centre in Perth and published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online.
Professor Hart noted that the use of nutritional supplements during IVF remains unclear. He said supplements are generally not prescribed by doctors but purchased online or over the counter, making reliable data on self-medication difficult to obtain. Much of the available information comes from IVF discussion forums, although these supplements are clearly widely used and attract considerable interest.
Nutritional Supplements Compared With the Mediterranean Diet
The study analyzed nine common supplements: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), melatonin, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), carnitine, selenium, vitamin D, inositol, Omega-3 fatty acids, and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as several diets, including weight-loss diets. DHEA and CoQ10 showed relatively favorable effects in patients who had responded poorly to previous IVF treatment. Melatonin also showed some benefit, but the appropriate patient groups and doses remain unclear.
Evidence for the Mediterranean diet was stronger than for supplements. Several well-designed randomized clinical trials found significant benefits for embryo development and pregnancy outcomes, even with a six-week intervention. The diet emphasizes fruit, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oils while limiting highly processed foods. Professor Hart explained that it is rich in B vitamins, antioxidants, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fiber, and low in saturated fat, sugar, and sodium.
Specific Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids are the most extensively studied dietary fats in IVF research, largely because of their perceived benefits for general and reproductive health. Evidence suggests they may improve some IVF clinical outcomes and embryo quality. Antioxidants are often taken in combinations, but a major review of 63 studies of reproductive antioxidants found low-quality evidence that did not establish a benefit for live birth rates.
Based on the evidence, Professor Hart suggested that a Mediterranean diet is a simple nutritional approach during IVF. CoQ10 and DHEA may be useful adjuncts before IVF for women who previously responded poorly to ovarian stimulation, while Omega-3 free fatty acid supplementation may improve some clinical and embryological outcomes.
Professor Hart also recommended adequate folic acid supplementation for all women trying to conceive and consultation with a general practitioner or specialist to ensure optimal health before pregnancy.
Source:
Collected online