In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a reproductive technology that helps individuals and couples struggling with infertility. Nutrition and lifestyle factors can improve reproductive health and enhance egg and sperm quality. Let's explore IVF, how it impacts fertility, and nutritional and lifestyle strategies that can support fertility outcomes. 

At Chiyo, we're dedicated to supporting your fertility journey with our evidence-based Fertility Enhance Program, designed to enhance egg health to improve fertility outcomes. Our program emphasizes an antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and low glycemic diet, combined with essential micronutrients to support women trying to conceive. We offer dietitian-approved plans tailored for women preparing for pregnancy, of advanced maternal age, or preparing for IUI, IVF, or egg freezing.

 

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What is IVF?

IVF is a complex reproductive process involving several steps to facilitate pregnancy.[1] It involves ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and an embryo transfer. IVF is commonly used for couples experiencing issues with sperm quality, severe male-factor infertility, tubal factor infertility, severe endometriosis, and after multiple failed cycles of intrauterine insemination (IUI). [2-4]

The success of an IVF cycle depends on various factors, such as the patient's age, duration of infertility, BMI, history of previous pregnancies, the underlying cause of infertility, the quantity and quality of eggs and embryos, and the conditions of the laboratory where the procedure takes place. [5]   

 

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Nutrition for IVF and Egg Health

Nutritional interventions can significantly impact egg health and improve IVF outcomes. An antioxidant-rich diet along with a focus on key micronutrients, like B vitamins and vitamin D, can improve fertility outcomes. Since it takes approximately three months for an egg to mature, dietary changes should be implemented well in advance to positively influence egg quality.

B Vitamins

B vitamins, including B6, B9 (folate), and B12, are essential for IVF and egg health, as they support DNA synthesis and repair. [62][65]

Sources of B vitamins include:

• Spinach
• Liver
• Asparagus
• Legumes
• Beets
• Avocados
• Brussels sprouts
• Whole grains

Inositol

Myo-inositol, a form of inositol, supports healthy ovulation by promoting estrogen production and enhancing follicular sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). [81-82] 

Sources of inositol include:

• Citrus fruits
• Brown rice
• Almonds
• Lentils
  

Zinc

Zinc supports IVF and egg health by enhancing antioxidant properties, maintaining DNA stability, and improving egg maturation and embryonic development. [66-68] 

Sources of zinc include:

• Beef
• Pork
• Chicken
• Oysters
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Pumpkin seeds
• Cashews
• Almonds
• Quinoa
  

Vitamin D

While the role of vitamin D in fertility is still being studied, sufficient levels of vitamin D are associated with better reproductive outcomes. Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to improve endometrial thickness and embryo quality, which are critical for successful implantation and pregnancy. [37-38] 

Sources of vitamin D include:

• Shiitake mushrooms
• Beef liver
• Cod liver oil
• Egg yolks
  

Anti-inflammatory fats

Anti-inflammatory fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce inflammation and improve egg quality. Increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been linked to better egg health and higher live birth rates in women undergoing ART. [36, 39-40] 

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
  

CoQ10

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), also known as ubiquinol, is a naturally occurring antioxidant that plays an important role in ovarian response to stimulation, particularly in women with diminished ovarian reserve or a history of poor response to fertility treatments. Research suggests that CoQ10 supports mitochondrial function in eggs, enhancing their quality and increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization and implantation. [34] This is especially significant because egg cells contain the highest concentration of mitochondria compared to any other cell in the body. [45] 

Sources of CoQ10 include:

• Beef
• Pork
• Chicken
• Sardines
• Liver
• Nuts and seeds, like peanuts and sesame seeds
• Parsley
  

 

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Lifestyle Modifications for Fertility

Maintaining a healthy BMI and avoiding smoking are key lifestyle factors that can improve IVF outcomes. Both obesity and underweight status are associated with lower fertility rates and poorer reproductive outcomes. Additionally, managing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can improve the chances of successful conception. [33] 

 

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Nutrition for IVF and Sperm Health 

Adequate nutrition can significantly improve sperm health, which is crucial for IVF success. Specific nutrients and healthy dietary patterns can improve sperm quality. Keep in mind, it takes about 3 to 4 months for sperm to mature and be affected by changes in nutrition. Dietary changes should be implemented in advance to positively influence sperm health.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to increase total sperm concentration and motility. Specifically, EPA and DHA help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which can negatively impact sperm quality. [41-42] 

Sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

• Salmon
• Mackerel
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• Flax seeds
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
  

Antioxidants  

Antioxidants like selenium, zinc, and CoQ10 have been shown to improve sperm health. Selenium and zinc supplementation can increase sperm concentration and motility, while CoQ10 has been shown to enhance sperm count and morphology. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, which can otherwise damage sperm DNA and cellular structures.. [41-42] 

Sources of these antioxidants include:

• Liver
• Oysters
• Shellfish
• Red meat
• Turkey
• Eggs
• Sardines
• Broccoli
• Brazil nuts
• Black beans
• Lentils
• Cashews

Acetyl-L-Carnitine

Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplementation plays a role in energy metabolism, which is essential for sperm motility, morphology, and function. [41-42] 

Sources of acetyl-L-carnitine include:

• Beef
• Pork
• Cod
• Chicken breast
• Avocado
• Eggs

Vitamin D

Adequate levels of vitamin D are beneficial for sperm motility and semen quality. [44] 

Sources of vitamin D include:

• Shiitake mushrooms
• Beef liver
• Cod liver oil
• Egg yolks

Fertility Diet

Following a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish, and olive oil, is linked with improved sperm quality and reproductive health in male partners. [42-43] 

 

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Preparing for IVF: What to Avoid

As you and your partner prepare for IVF, be mindful of lifestyle factors that impact your fertility. Making changes ahead of time can help optimize your chances of successful fertilization and improve your overall IVF success rate.

For Her:

When trying to conceive or preparing for IUI, women should:

• Stop smoking cigarettes 
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Minimize exposure to environmental toxins, like pesticides, heavy metals, household chemicals, fragrances, and BPA. 
• Manage stress levels and prioritize self-care 

[33, 46-53]

For Him:

When trying to conceive or preparing for IUI, men should:

• Stop smoking cigarettes (and marijuana)
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Avoid high heat near the scrotum, like using saunas or hot tubs

 [33, 54-61]

 

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Traditional Chinese Medicine to Support IVF

At Chiyo, we integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to enhance fertility by promoting a healthy uterine lining for successful egg implantation. In TCM, a thin uterine lining is associated with blood deficiency, Qi stagnation, or Cold in the uterus—factors which can negatively impact embryo implantation during IVF. Our meals focus on improving blood circulation, nourishing Yin and Blood, and warming the uterus to create an optimal environment for egg implantation.

Our meals feature blood-nourishing and warming foods to support fertility, including:

• Iron-rich foods: Red dates, goji berries, black sesame seeds
• Protein sources: Bone broth, eggs, organic meat, lentils
• Warming foods: Ginger, cinnamon, walnuts (avoid cold/raw foods)

We also include TCM ingredients in our broths, such as: 

• Shu Di Huang (熟地黄, Rehmannia): Strengthens Kidney Essence and supports implantation
• Bai Shao (白芍, White Peony Root): Regulates the menstrual cycle and nourishes Blood

 

At Chiyo, we're dedicated to supporting your fertility journey with our evidence-based Fertility Enhance Program, designed to enhance egg health to improve fertility outcomes. Our program emphasizes an antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and low glycemic diet, combined with essential micronutrients to support women trying to conceive. We offer dietitian-approved plans tailored for women preparing for pregnancy, of advanced maternal age, or preparing for IUI, IVF, or egg freezing.

 

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FAQs

What is IVF?

IVF, or in vitro fertilization, is a process that helps individuals or couples achieve pregnancy through a series of steps, including ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, fertilization, embryo culture, and embryo transfer.

Who is a good candidate for IVF?

IVF is often recommended for those facing severe male-factor infertility, tubal factor infertility, severe endometriosis, or for couples who have not succeeded with multiple IUI cycles.

How does the IVF process work?

IVF involves ovarian stimulation, oocyte retrieval, fertilization in a lab, embryo culture, and transferring one or more embryos into the uterine cavity.

What is the difference between IVF and IUI?

IVF is more invasive and involves laboratory procedures, while IUI places sperm directly into the uterus. IUI is generally less costly and is used for fertility issues like mild male-factor infertility, cervical infertility, dysovulation, or mild to moderate endometriosis.

What factors influence IVF success rates?

Key factors include female age, duration of infertility, BMI, previous pregnancy history, the number and quality of eggs and embryos, and laboratory conditions.

What are the potential risks of IVF?

Risks include ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), bleeding, infection, and increased chances of pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.

How can nutrition support IVF success?

A nutritious diet rich in antioxidants, folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can improve egg and sperm quality, enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy.

How long does it take for dietary changes to affect fertility?

For women, it takes about three months for egg quality to be influenced by nutritional changes, while for men, it typically takes 3-4 months for sperm to mature.

What should women avoid when preparing for IVF?

Women should avoid smoking, alcohol, low BMI, environmental toxins, and high stress levels to improve their chances of successful conception.

How can antioxidants improve sperm health?

Antioxidants like selenium and zinc can reduce oxidative stress, enhancing sperm concentration, motility, and overall quality.

 

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