During IVF consultation with our patients, one of the common questions we get is “Does diet affect IVF success?”

The answer to that question is yes, controlling your eating habits can significantly impact your ability to conceive.

Since eggs and sperm take about 100 days to mature, your overall diet and lifestyle choice before conception is important. Healthy food may not solve every fertility problem but it can boost the success of IVF treatment.

Your diet can support your body’s metabolic health and protect you against any cellular damage.

We’ve broken down how does diet affects your IVF cycle, so you can make your change starting right now.

What Should You Eating During IVF Treatment

Adopting a diet rich in plant-based proteins, whole grains, fish, and monounsaturated fats provides nutrients that are necessary for fertility outcomes.

A generous amount of protein per day tends to produce higher levels of fertility, especially in an abundance of carbohydrates. Plant-based protein such as walnuts, hemp seeds, and folic give the best results.

Clinical studies show that folic acid supplements have been proven to prevent miscarriage caused by neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida, bring positive effects on embryo quality, and provide better results in fertility treatment. A higher folic acid-to-homocysteine ratio reduces the risk of ovulatory dysfunction by 10%.

If you’ve been trying to conceive through IVF or exploring your options, we’ve prepared a diet plan you can follow.

Mediterranean Diet

Starting with a heart-healthy and anti-inflammatory diet supports stable blood sugar levels, provides antioxidants, and micronutrients for a better reproductive health.

- Fruits and Vegetables: Getting ‘5 a day’ portions of organic fruit and vegetables together prevents you from attaining hormone-disrupting chemicals.

- Lean Proteins: Choosing whole-food protein sources such as eggs, fish, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and lean meats provides essential nutrients without added sugars or preservatives that may interfere with fertility.

- Leafy Greens: Spinach and cabbage that are folic-rich supports egg quality and early pregnancy development.

- Bananas: Vitamin BC supports nervous system health, results in better immune function, and menstrual regulation.

- Salmon: For better hormone balance and blood flow, consuming a fully cooked fish during your IVF is a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids.

- Complex Carbohydrates: Maintaining stable blood sugar is crucial as poor glucose control can affect egg quality, especially for women with PCOS. Beans, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and apples help with stabilizing blood sugar.

A prospective study found that a MedDiet increases the probability of pregnancy by 40% after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Another research shows that women ages 35 or younger who adhere to a MedDiet had a higher rate of live birth by 48.4% compared to those with low adherence by 26.6%.

What Should You Avoid Eating During IVF Cycle

Women and men who have an overconsumption of dairy, alcohol, caffeine, saturated fats, and sugar are often associated with poorer fertility outcomes.

Current evidence suggests that obese individuals with a body mass index (BMI) less than 30 kg are at a higher risk of infertility, proving that diet and BMI influences outcomes during fertility treatment.

Another food you must avoid are so-called miracle vitamins that claim to increase fertility quickly. Sources from books or websites should be taken with a grain of salt, especially if they do not have strong scientific evidence that applies to your needs.

Remember, anything short of diet will do your health a disservice.

Trans Fats and Unhealthy Foods

Limit your intake of trans fats before your IVF treatment and during your pregnancy. These foods contain hydrogenated vegetable oils used in fried foods, processed foods, baked goods, and margarine.

Saturated fats found in whole milk, red meat, and butter can also have a negative effect when you consume it too often.

Aside from getting the risk of heart disease, excessive fat may disrupt ovulation and affect egg quality.

We recommend eating more monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds to lower your LDL and improve your fertility.

So, what other foods should you avoid?

- Alcohol: One study reports that 1 drink a day was linked to fewer oocytes retrieved, increased risk of not becoming pregnant if they drank during the month before the IVF cycle, and a potential miscarriage if they consume 1 week before IVF.

- Excessive Caffeine: Do not consume more than two cups of coffee (200mg) per day during IVF. This may interfere with egg maturation and reduce pregnancy rate by 50%.

- Artificial Sweets: Findings presented by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine indicates that overconsumption of artificial sweeteners such as diet sodas, flavored snacks and yogurts, and desserts may negatively diminish embryo quality, implantation, and pregnancy rate.

- High-Mercury or Raw Seafood: Studies in IVF patients show that increased seafood intake raises mercury levels in ovarian fluid, potentially impacting reproductive outcomes. These are found in shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and large tuna, as well as sushi and oysters.

Small dietary adjustments may positively influence IVF outcomes and your overall reproductive health.

How Weight Affects Fertility

Weight is closely linked to insulin resistance and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), making it harder for underweight and obese women to conceive.

If you’re trying to get pregnant, focusing on reaching and maintaining a healthy, balanced weight can be one of the most positive steps you can take. While BMI doesn’t capture every aspect of your health, it can be a useful starting point for discussions with a fertility specialist.

The good news is that even small changes can make a difference. Research shows that women with PCOS who lose just 5 to 10% of their body weight often see improvements in ovulation, hormone balance, and more regular menstrual cycles.

Eating Right for IVF Success

Each person has their own nutritional needs so working closely with your fertility team can help you follow an eating plan that fits your lifestyle and healthy goals.

Building a strong foundation and healthy eating is an important first step. If you’re ready to take the next step toward growing your family, Fertility Philippines is here to support you.

Disclaimer: This blog does not intend to represent medical advice. For personalized recommendations, consult with your fertility specialist.