Medicosnext
Astha Karkee
Co-founder & Nutritionist at Mitahara Nutritional Service, Astha is an experienced Clinical and Behavioral Nutritionist with over five years of expertise. She has served as a nutrition expert for the “FirstCry Fit Junior Project” in India and conducted research at Symbiosis University. Astha has published research papers on diverse topics, such as diabetes and foodborne pathogens. She strongly advocates for a holistic approach to health, recognizing the significance of nutrition as a fundamental pillar for both physical and mental well-being. Astha’s areas of specialization encompass child nutrition, nutrigenomics, and traditional nutrition practices.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects around 15-20% of the couples in the world. Studies suggest that over the years, infertility among the male and female has been increasing. One of the major concerns regarding infertility has become the environmental exposure to contaminants, especially endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), affecting both male and female fertility. Along with this, other lifestyle factors like proper nutrition and diet, habits like smoking, alcohol or other substance abuse have resulted in negative effects on reproductive health. Health and well- being of the individual is really important for the conception, pregnancy journey as well as the birth of the child. Proper balanced diet is important not only for the naturally conceiving women but also couples undergoing IVF techniques. A healthy diet can promote overall reproductive health in case of both male and female, by increasing the success rates and improving fertility in IVF.
Nutrition in Female and IVF
Various nutrients are important in balancing the hormones, hence reproductive health.
1. Carbohydrates
Consumption of high glycemic index foods can increase the insulin resistance, risk of dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress, which can directly affect ovarian functions and fertility. Frequent and large consumption of high glycemic food and carbohydrates depicted less chances of pregnancy as compared to intake of high fiber foods. Therefore, including fiber based carbohydrates like buckwheat, millet, legumes, fruits, vegetables are beneficial in women undergoing IVF. It is suggested to avoid carbohydrates like carbonated beverages, sweets and bakery items, and packet foods to support fertility health.
2. Protein
It is better to opt for plant based protein if the individual is undergoing the IVF treatment, as the animal protein has been associated with the higher risk of infertility due to lack of ovulation. Studies have found that the plant protein increased the fertility among the women who are above 32 years. One of the major causes for the effect, can be the impact of plant and animal protein on insulin and IGF- I secretion, as the insulin response is comparatively lower on consumption of plant protein. Therefore, include various legumes and lentils, nuts and seeds, low fat milk products, soy based products in controlled amounts for improving reproductive health. Animal proteins can be included in diet less frequently and in controlled amounts.
3. Fat
Trans Fat-containing food products like packet foods, deep fried foods, mayonnaise, etc. have inflammatory properties, and can increase the insulin resistance hence increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, PCOS/ PCOD, which can directly affect fertility. However, omega-3 fatty acids containing foods like nuts and seeds- almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, avocado, fresh fish are anti-inflammatory in nature, crucial for egg quality enhancement, reduces the risk of anovulation, increases the concentration of progesterone, etc. Omega-3 fats are also associated with insulin sensitivity which in turn can improve the hormonal level.
5. Antioxidants
Oxidative stress has a direct impact on the quality and quantity of the eggs produced, therefore inclusion of antioxidant rich foods is really important. Vitamin C (citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, broccoli), Vitamin E (sunflower seeds, avocado, almonds, spinach) and Vitamin A (sweet potato, carrot, eggs, bell peppers) are important sources of antioxidants, which can help improve pregnancy rates in IVF by protecting the cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
6. Vitamin D
Various reproductive organs’ tissues such as ovaries, placenta, pituitary gland, endometrium, contain vitamin D receptors. Vitamin D level is related to the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels, which indicates ovarian function. Level of vitamin D in serum and follicular fluid is related to the success of achieving a pregnancy. The major source of Vitamin D is direct sunlight, therefore it is better to sit in the morning sunlight for vitamin D absorption. Apart from sunlight, other sources are egg yolk, mushroom, however they contain less amount of Vitamin D.
4. Folic acid, vitamin B6, vitamin B12
Supplementation with folate is important before conception and during the pregnancy period as well to prevent neural tube defects in the baby. Therefore it is important to take a sufficient amount of folate-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, citrus foods, and folic acid while undergoing IVF treatment. Vitamin B6 rich foods like nuts, seeds, avocado, chickpeas help in maintaining the hormonal levels, increasing cervical mucus, and maintaining progesterone levels.
Apart from the above mentioned nutrients and food sources, it is important to avoid unhealthy food options and behavior. Over-consumption of alcohol and coffee, can have a negative effect on fertility and hence IVF outcomes. It is better to reduce the caffeine intake (less than 200 mg per day), packaged food items containing high amounts of saturated and trans fat, and sugar intake, to support the outcome.
Male Nutrition and IVF
Healthy diet and lifestyle patterns are directly related to better sperm quality, quantity, concentration, motility as well as reduced sperm DNA fragmentation.
1. Zinc
Zinc rich foods like pumpkin seeds, lentils, eggs, dairy products, meat items play a vital role in sperm motility and production. It also has an important role in physiology like lipid flexibility, sperm membrane stabilization.
2. Antioxidants
Oxidative stress in men may be related to higher incidence of miscarriages in females. Nutrients like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium (grains, brazil nuts, vegetables, egg, dairy), and Zinc have antioxidant properties. Antioxidants improve sperm concentration, morphology, motility, DNA. They also protect the cells during cryopreservation, hence maintaining quality and preventing any kind of damage.
3. Omega- 3 fatty Acids
Healthy fats are anti-inflammatory in nature and help in increasing the sperm motility, quality, hormonal balance (testosterone), and healthy blood circulation supporting overall reproductive function. These fats are important components of sperm cell membrane, motility, sperm count and morphology.
4. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 level in seminal plasma is related with sperm count and motility. Its antioxidant property helps in protecting the cells from reactive oxidative species (ROS). It can be obtained in supplements or in foods including spinach, broccoli, organ meats, and whole grains.
5. Folic Acid, Selenium, Vitamin E
Folic acid helps in improving sperm’s quality and chromosomal abnormalities, selenium helps in sperm motility, Vitamin E helps in improving sperm quality. All of these nutrients help in protecting the sperm cells from the oxidative damage as well.
Limit Alcohol and Tobacco:
Sperm quality can be adversely affected by alcohol and tobacco use, which can lower sperm motility, count, and general reproductive health. When trying to conceive, men should limit their alcohol use and abstain from smoking.
Lifestyle considerations
Obesity or being overweight can lead to hormonal imbalance, and affect the egg and sperm quality and quantity. This directly affects IVF success. Therefore, it is suggested to maintain healthy weight while undergoing IVF treatment. Proper water or fluid is important for egg quality and sperm count. Being physically active improves the blood circulation and hormonal imbalance.
Conclusion
Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are crucial for enhancing reproductive health and improving the success rates of IVF treatments. Balanced intake of essential nutrients like antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals plays a pivotal role in supporting hormonal balance, egg and sperm quality, and overall fertility. For both men and women, avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and over-reliance on processed foods can significantly boost IVF outcomes. By adopting a nutrient-rich diet and maintaining a healthy weight, couples can better prepare for the challenges of conception and enjoy a smoother journey towards parenthood.
