New analysis by The University of Western Australia has found that adopting a Mediterranean diet during IVF treatment may improve the chance of a successful pregnancy.
Published today in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, the study by Professor Roger Hart from UWA’s Medical School and Fertility Specialists WA showed benefits in both embryo development and pregnancy outcome.
Professor Hart said there was strong evidence that Mediterranean diets were more favourable when compared to a traditional Western diet.
Several clinical trials support the Mediterranean diets with their high intake of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and monounsaturated or polyunsaturated oils; and limited intake of highly processed foods.
“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,” Professor Hart said.
Following several clinical trials, the research team concluded that adopting these regimes during treatment may work better than Western diets.
The supplements analysed were dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), melatonin, co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ1O), carnitine, selenium, Vitamin D, myo-inositol, Omega-3, Chinese herbs and several diets (as well as weight loss).
“With respect to the nine commonly used nutritional supplements, the evidence was found to be inconsistent and not always of good quality,” Professor Hart said.
He said nutritional supplements were usually not prescribed but bought online or over-the-counter.
“They’re self-medicated and solid data on usage is impossible to determine,” he said. “Our information is largely anecdotal but it’s quite clear from online IVF discussion forums that they are widely used and of great public interest.”
Omega-3 fatty acids, often taken as combined preparations, were the most studied dietary fatty acids in the IVF literature and according to Professor Hart, may be beneficial in improving the chances of successful IVF pregnancies as well as the health of the embryos.
The studies found that carnitine, selenium, Vitamin D, myo-inositol, Chinese herbs and several diets, including those for weight loss, had poor responses.
Only CoQ-10 antioxidant and DHEA hormonal supplements showed benefits while there was also some evidence that melatonin could be advantageous but to which patient group and at what dosage to administer were still unknown.
Women attempting to conceive are also advised to complement their diet with a folate, better known as vitamin B9, and to consult a medical professional, such as their GP.
