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Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being—and it becomes even more important when preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF). A balanced, nutrient-rich diet is a key component of the IVF journey and may impact treatment success in several ways:
Enhancing Egg Quality:
Like it or not, your body is constantly degenerating. This is natural process where cells and tissues experience wear, damage, and breakdown over time. Even though the body continuously repairs and regenerates cells, some level of cellular damage or "degeneration" is a normal part of aging and life. The degeneration may accelerate due to pollution, unhealthy lifestyle etc. One other cause of degeneration is oxidation. oxidation often involves the production of free radicals—unstable molecules that can damage cell components like proteins, lipids, and DNA. Oxidative stress would even affect your oocytes. It may be due tomay things. Some of which are under our control like stopping alcohol and smoking and other not in our control like normal metabolic processes or Environmental Exposures etc. Our goal is to reduce the oxidative stress. A diet rich in antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc) may help protect egg cells from oxidative stress, which can impair their quality. You can include antioxidant supplements, However, it's generally best to obtain antioxidants through food rather than supplements, as Foods contain not only antioxidants but also vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other phytonutrients that can enhance absorption and overall effectiveness.
Supporting Sperm Health:
Just as nutrition can benefit egg quality, it also supports sperm health. Omega-3 fatty acids—found in fish, as well as in plant sources like flaxseeds and walnuts—have been linked to improved sperm motility and morphology. Oxidative stress not only affect eggs but even spers as well. Hence, antioxidants rich foods further help protect sperm from oxidative damage.
Balancing Hormones:
In female, the hormones are like an orchestra; all the instruments needed to play together to achieve balance and harmony. If any one instrument miss the beat, the whole orchestra will be out of sync. Our goal is to keep the orchestra running as smooth as we can. In IVF treatment, some of the hormones are carefully managed, but not all. A balanced diet helps regulate hormones essential for fertility, including estrogen and progesterone. Maintaining stable blood sugar and insulin levels can also contribute to hormonal balance.
Reducing Inflammation:
What is inflammation? inflammation refers to the body's immune response to injury, infection, or any form of disruption. whether it's an infection, injury, or some kind of imbalance, our immune system sends white blood cells and other immune molecules to the site of concern to attack the foreign things and to heal the body. When the body is in a high-inflammatory state, the immune system becomes hyperactiv, and this can lead to a situation where the body mistakenly perceive the embryo as a foreign body and attack it, leading to implantation failure or early miscarriage. A diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods can help reduce inflammation in the body. You might love to eat spicy foods, but spicy foods may cause inflammation in the body. Spicies are good, but avoud spicy food.
Spicy Food Challenges May Harm Your Health
Maintaining a Healthy Weight:
Both underweight and overweight conditions can impact fertility and IVF success. A balanced diet supports reaching and maintaining an optimal weight.
Supporting the Uterine Lining:
Adequate nutrition may help promote a healthy uterine lining, which is important for embryo implantation.
Reducing Stress:
Although stress isn’t solely related to nutrition, eating a balanced diet can help stabilize mood and energy levels, which in turn may assist with stress management during treatment.
Note: While a healthy diet is an important piece of the puzzle, IVF outcomes depend on multiple factors, including age, underlying health, and specific treatment protocols.
Foods to Eat
Protein
Protein is essential for supporting egg quality and embryo development.
For non-vegetarian diets:
Opt for lean proteins such as chicken or fish. Research suggests that high red meat intake may be linked to ovulatory dysfunction, while moderate consumption of fish, eggs, and lean meats may be associated with improved fertility outcomes.For plant-based diets:
Consider high-quality vegetable proteins like tofu, tempeh, legumes, and quinoa.Fruits and Vegetables
Aim to include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet. Brightly colored produce—such as berries, beets, bell peppers, oranges, and avocados—provides antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.Whole Grains
Choose whole grains like whole-grain pasta, quinoa, farro, and brown rice. These foods provide fiber and complex carbohydrates, which offer steady energy for your body.Legumes
Beans, chickpeas, lentils, and other legumes boost both fiber and protein intake, supporting overall nutritional balance.Healthy Fats
Include sources of healthy fats, such as:Oils: Good-quality olive oil
Fruits: Avocado
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
These fats provide essential fatty acids—which the body cannot produce on its own—and may help reduce inflammation and support cell health.
Water
Staying well-hydrated is important for overall body functions, including blood flow and nutrient transport. Some evidence suggests that hydration status can affect implantation and other pregnancy outcomes. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day.Folic Acid and Vitamin B12
Adequate levels of folic acid are crucial before and during early pregnancy. Folic acid helps prevent neural tube defects and supports cell division and blood vessel formation in the uterus. Vitamin B12 is also important—especially for those on a vegan diet. Most guidelines recommend a daily folic acid intake of 400–800 micrograms prior to conception.Fermented Foods and Probiotics
Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome may influence fertility. Including small amounts of fermented foods (such as sauerkraut, kimchi, or kombucha) or probiotic-rich foods may benefit gut health.Foods to Avoid
Processed Foods
Minimize consumption of processed foods, added sugars, and red meats. Refined oils (such as sunflower and vegetable oils) and highly processed, high-sugar foods may contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress, which could negatively affect fertility. In the days leading up to egg retrieval, it’s wise to avoid fast foods and fried items.Trans Fats
Reduce or eliminate trans fats from your diet. Trans fats have been associated with poorer egg quality and ovulatory dysfunction by contributing to metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and disrupted ovulation. They are also linked to an increased risk of heart disease.Alcohol
Alchol is bad, period. I know, you know everyone knows. Drinking alcohol at any quantity is bad for male and female both. Alcohol consumption is best avoided before, during and after the IVF process. Many experts advise abstaining from alcohol for at least three months before treatment, as even moderate drinking can potentially impact fertility and treatment outcomes.
No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health
Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health, Research Shows - The New York Times
Caffeine / Tea
Not all researchers agree on the effects of caffeine during IVF or pregnancy. Caffeine's impact on IVF is not uniform across all stages of treatment. The effects are often dose-dependent, meaning higher caffeine intake may be associated with more pronounced effects. Some studies suggest that caffeine may interfere with estrogen production and influence ovulation. It is also important to remember that individual responses to caffeine can vary significantly.
Many healthcare organizations and fertility specialists recommend moderate caffeine intake for women undergoing IVF treatment. Limiting caffeine is advised, with a recommended maximum of 200 mg per day. Additionally, since tea and coffee contain polyphenols that can interfere with iron absorption, it is best to avoid these beverages for at least one hour before and after meals or after taking iron supplements.
Personally, given the conflicting research—some studies suggesting caffeine negatively impacts fertility while others find no significant effect—I prefer to be on the side of caution. Until more conclusive evidence is available, I choose to avoid caffeine and tea entirely during IVF treatment. However, if avoiding caffeine completely is not possible, it is best to keep intake to a minimum.
Sugar or Simple Carbohydrates
Understanding Carbohydrates:
Simple Carbohydrates:
These are sugars that are quickly and easily broken down by your body, providing a rapid burst of energy. Examples include table sugar, refined flours (maida), and products made from them such as pasta, pizza, bread, roti, candy, cookies, and fruit juices.Complex Carbohydrates:
These take longer for your body to digest and help keep you fuller for a longer period. Examples include fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and whole grains.
When you consume carbohydrates, your body releases insulin—a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Insulin shares some chemical similarities with luteinizing hormone (LH), which is vital for egg maturation and ovulation. Excessive sugar intake can lead to elevated insulin levels, potentially causing the body to “mistake” insulin for LH. This can result in reduced LH production, which may disrupt egg maturation and ovulation. Although IVF medications stimulate ovulation, poor egg quality resulting from insufficient LH can lower the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development.
Excessive consumption of simple carbohydrates has been linked in some studies to lower pregnancy rates—possibly due to increased insulin resistance and disrupted ovulation. This is especially important for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). High sugar intake can also lead to elevated insulin levels, which may stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones such as testosterone). Increased androgen levels can impair follicle development and disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for successful fertilization. Additionally, research has shown that a high sugar intake can alter the cells lining the uterus, making it harder for an embryo to implant. Excess sugar may also promote the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which can affect endometrial function and further reduce the likelihood of successful pregnancy.
Added sugars are not necessary for our bodies. We add sugar solely to enhance the taste of food. It does not provide any nutritional benefits and can trigger sugar cravings. If you can overcome these cravings and refrain from consuming sugar at least until you complete your IVF treatment, I highly recommend doing so.
Blood Sugar Control During IVF: Why It Matters for Success
Sugar and Fertility: What is the Impact? - Concept Fertility
References
Oxidative stress in oocyte aging and female reproduction - PubMed
Impact of Oxidative Stress on Age-Associated Decline in Oocyte Developmental Competence - PMC
The 30-Day Guide to IVF Success: Diet, Chemicals, Sex, and More – Healthline, accessed February 26, 2025, Healthline Article
7 Roles of Nutrition in IVF Success: Key Factors to Consider – Fertility Institute of San Diego, accessed February 26, 2025, Fertility Institute of San Diego
Can Nutrition Influence IVF Outcome? – Care Fertility, accessed February 26, 2025, Care Fertility Blog
Improved IVF Success with the Mediterranean Diet, Study Shows – News-Medical, accessed February 26, 2025, News-Medical Article
The Best Diet For IVF: What To Eat When Trying to Conceive – Elite IVF, accessed February 26, 2025, Elite IVF
What to Eat Before and During IVF – The Evewell London, accessed February 26, 2025, Evewell London
IVF Foods to Avoid: IVF Success Tips Diet Chart – Indira IVF, accessed February 26, 2025, Indira IVF
Optimizing Your Diet for IVF Success: What to Eat When TTC – TRIO Fertility, accessed February 26, 2025, TRIO Fertility
Diet and Fertility: A Review – PMC – PubMed Central, accessed February 26, 2025, PMC Article
Unlocking the Mystery of Estradiol Levels: A Guide to Their Role in TTC and IVF Success – The Lucky Egg, accessed February 26, 2025, The Lucky Egg
IVF Diet: Nutritional Guidelines for Your Fertility Treatment – SCRC IVF, accessed February 26, 2025, SCRC IVF
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