Review highlights that adherence to the Mediterranean diet may improve clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in couples undergoing assisted reproduction, though findings are inconsistent, and more research is needed.
By Dr. Liji Thomas, MDReviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc.Aug 27 2024 Study: The Role of the Mediterranean Diet in Assisted Reproduction : A Literature Review. Image Credit: Tatjana Baibakova / Shutterstock.com
The Mediterranean diet's cardioprotective effects are well established, as is its association with reduced rates of metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, and some cancers. Some studies also suggest that this diet increases fertility and promotes better outcomes in couples using assisted reproduction technology .
The Mediterranean diet has been shown to improve semen and quality, embryo morphology and development, and the implantation environment, all synergistically enhancing fertility outcomes following ART. Although individual nutritional elements have been investigated for their impact on fertility, nutrients in a diet act together to produce their effects.
How does the Mediterranean diet affect reproductive outcomes? Overall, the reviewed studies reported that couples with better adherence to the Mediterranean diet were 40-100% more likely to achieve clinical pregnancy. Egg number or embryo quality was not associated with dietary adherence. Live birth rates were 2.5 times higher with better Mediterranean diet adherence; however, no dose-response relationship was reported.
Conclusions The Mediterranean diet appears to have a favorable effect on ART outcomes, specifically clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Nevertheless, additional research is warranted, as these associations were non-linear and failed to show a dose-response relationship. Furthermore, the Mediterranean diet reduces systemic inflammation, combats oxidative stress, and promotes healthy glucose metabolism. These effects result in a healthier endometrial microenvironment to improve the likelihood of implantation and embryonic development.
IVF Mediterranean Diet Diabetes Diabetes Mellitus Embryo Fertility Fertilization Fish Food In Vitro Infertility Meat Metabolic Syndrome Nutrients Olive Oil Pregnancy Reproduction Research Sperm Syndrome Technology
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