Recent analysis conducted by The University of Western Australia has highlighted a positive correlation between adopting a Mediterranean diet and successful IVF treatment.
Published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online and conducted by Professor Roger Hart, the study explores the impacts of dietary choices on the outcome of IVF – specifically its benefits on embryo development – and on pregnancy outcomes.
What is a Mediterranean diet?
The Mediterranean diet is often championed by nutritionists and doctors as one of the most beneficial diets for health and wellbeing, taking the top spot for the sixth consecutive year in U.S. News & World Report’s 2023 list of best overall diets.
Indeed, beyond this more recent association with IVF success rates, the Mediterranean diet has been linked to a lower risk of pregnancy complications, including lower pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes risks.
Renowned for its emphasis on fresh, nutrient-rich foods, it represents the staple diet of those living in the regions surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. The diet features an abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy unsaturated fats and a lack of high-processed foods.
Professor Roger Hart suggested that ‘These diets are high in B- vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids and fibre and are low in saturated fat, sugar and sodium’.
The review
This most recent study represents a review of a large number of existing studies that sought to explore the impact of various nutritional supplements on the success rates of IVF.
By conducting a review of 27 studies published between January 2015 and May 2023, researchers concluded that adopting nutrients and foods associated with a Mediterranean diet during IVF may be more beneficial than Western diets, since many of the nutrients said to be linked with greater IVF success are those found within Mediterranean diets.
The researchers observed that couples who incorporated these elements into their diets, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, may experience enhanced fertility outcomes during IVF procedures. On the other hand, the research uncovered that carnitine, selenium, Vitamin D, myo-inositol, Chinese herbs and weight loss diets had poorer responses.
While his analysis may prove to be signficant, Professor Hart made clear that further research in this area is needed to confirm the findings.
Potential Issues with a Mediterranean Diet
While the Mediterranean diet promotes a high intake of healthy fruit and vegetables, the research noted that women attempting to conceive are also advised to take vitamin B9 (otherwise known as folate).
It’s also important to note that not every element of the diet may be suitable for pregnant women. This is largely due to the fact that they contain mercury and other pollutants that can harm unborn babies. The NHS recommends that pregnant women avoid the following fish because of their mercury content:
- Swordfish
- Raw shellfish
- Shark
- Marlin
Oily fish – such as salmon, trout, mackerel, and herring – should be limited to only two portions a week. Tuna should be eaten in strict moderation, too (no more than two medium-sized cans of tuna per week).
Finally, the research stressed the importance of couples undergoing fertility treatment consulting with their healthcare professional ahead of any significant dietary changes, to ensure individual health conditions and dietary needs are taken into account fully.
If you would like more information and guidance on your diet during pregnancy, speak to a healthcare professional.
