19 Dec The perfect IVF diet? Ask an avocado.
Pregnancy nutrition is a hot topic. But should IVF patients follow a different dietary path? It’s a question our own patients often ask us. Research a few years ago from the Harvard School of Public Heath suggested avocados may triple live birth rates for couples undergoing IVF.
Let’s look at the fine print. The study found that food high in monounsaturated fats – including olive oil, sunflower oil, nuts, seeds and avocados – may significantly raise IVF success rates for those who consume a lot of it. But for those who ate more saturated fat – as found in butter and red meat, for example – fertility treatment was less successful.
As with all medical research, it’s hard to know how seriously to take the findings. A study’s importance often depends on how many people are involved. The above study followed just 147 women, each having IVF at a clinic in Massachusetts. But don’t dismiss it for being small. Medical exploration has to start somewhere.
In more recent research from China, a Mediterranean diet was found to boost embryo yield in IVF patients. 590 women took part. Roughly half were put on a diet particularly rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts, olive oil and fish. While implantation rates were similar for both groups, those on the ultra-Mediterranean diet saw more developing embryos.
Other studies also suggest a healthy Mediterranean diet is a good thing. A small Dutch study said the diet could improve IVF pregnancy rates. And a 2018 Greek study saw better pregnancy and live birth rates after IVF for women who followed a good-quality Mediterranean diet.
Fancy a coffee in Denmark? A 2012 study there found that women who drink five or more cups of coffee a day may halve their chances of a clinical pregnancy after IVF. Almost 4,000 women took part. Caffeine, it would seem, should be consumed carefully by fertility patients. The British Coffee Association (yes, there really is one) advises no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. That’s two to three cups.
And what about men? At the 68th Annual Meeting of the America Society of Reproductive Medicine, sperm quality loomed large. One study suggested dairy products, particularly those with full-fat content, may have an adverse effect on semen quality. Another found that carbohydrates may affect sperm concentration in young men.
At the same meeting, another study caught our eye. Women having IVF produced more blastocysts after eating more protein and less carbohydrate. It’s one of countless studies looking at fertility patients and their diets. You’ll find more, big ones and small ones, online. But your fertility clinic will give you the best dietary advice, so don’t over-research.
Every IVF patient has different nutritional and medical needs. For our own IVF diet, we followed general advice from our GP: eat a balanced diet. That, and exercise, may also reduce the chance of an overweight baby.
There’s more. A study on pregnancy diet and DNA found that a mother’s diet at the time of conception may affect the baby’s genes. And if you eat junk food before getting pregnant, you have a 50% increased risk of giving birth prematurely. Food for thought.
Of course, no IVF shopping trolley would be complete without a generous handful of fabulous foods. Interested in our favourites? Here goes.
Broccoli, strawberries, oatmeal, bananas, brazil nuts, dried figs, salmon, tomatoes, blueberries, bananas, spinach, fresh orange juice, anchovies, smoked trout, wheatgerm, low-fat yogurt, wholemeal bread, brown rice, pineapple, kale, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, cabbage, mango, sweet potatoes, melon, walnuts, pomegranate, eggs, humus and chicken.
Optimum nutrition for IVF patients continues to be assessed. While it is, a balanced range of good-quality, natural foods is a good starting point. Throw in some folic-acid foods for good measure. And don’t forget those avocados!
bernadette benzai
Posted at 04:19h, 18 AugustI am a 43 year old female who has tried ivf a number of times without success, l would like to know if my diet has played a part in the treatment being unsuccessful. Please help
Kind regards
Bernadette
bernadette benzai
Posted at 04:19h, 18 AugustI am a 43 year old female who has tried ivf a number of times without success, l would like to know if my diet has played a part in the treatment being unsuccessful. Please help
Kind regards
Bernadette
Mum100
Posted at 16:28h, 29 MarchSuch a wonderful, helpful, no nonsense article. There’s so much information out there about what to eat and what not to eat. This article simplifies things for me, ahead of our frozen embryo transfer in May. Thank you.
Alexandria
Posted at 17:02h, 27 MayHi, how has the embryo transfer in May gone? I’ve had one cancelled IUI in January and hope to try IVF in June. Have you followed a specific diet? If yes, has it helped? I’ve been gobbling avocados, bananas and nuts and keeping my fingers crossed. Do share how your journey has been. Cheers and goodluck! X
Mum100
Posted at 16:28h, 29 MarchSuch a wonderful, helpful, no nonsense article. There’s so much information out there about what to eat and what not to eat. This article simplifies things for me, ahead of our frozen embryo transfer in May. Thank you.
Alexandria
Posted at 17:02h, 27 MayHi, how has the embryo transfer in May gone? I’ve had one cancelled IUI in January and hope to try IVF in June. Have you followed a specific diet? If yes, has it helped? I’ve been gobbling avocados, bananas and nuts and keeping my fingers crossed. Do share how your journey has been. Cheers and goodluck! X
Mum100
Posted at 11:20h, 04 JuneHi Alexandria, I’ve just seen your reply to my comment. We still don’t know the outcome of embryo transfer, due to some early complications. There’s still a glimmer of hope though. Wishing you really well with your journey. Regarding what food to eat, I’ve come to the conclusion that a normal balanced mix of food is fine – I eat fairly healthily anyway and with good supplements, I believe I’m getting everything I need. Much love x
Mum100
Posted at 11:20h, 04 JuneHi Alexandria, I’ve just seen your reply to my comment. We still don’t know the outcome of embryo transfer, due to some early complications. There’s still a glimmer of hope though. Wishing you really well with your journey. Regarding what food to eat, I’ve come to the conclusion that a normal balanced mix of food is fine – I eat fairly healthily anyway and with good supplements, I believe I’m getting everything I need. Much love x
Kaitlin
Posted at 19:41h, 06 JanuaryKeep trying! I have had a baby from IVF…I ate pineapple before my egg transfer and I think it might have helped. I also ate lots of avocados. Stay positive and relaxed. Good luck to all of you!
Katy
Posted at 10:45h, 08 MarchThank you for a simple, sweet and positive comment! I’m starting a process and I feel really positive. I’m working on having the healthiest diet possible and I love avocado and pineapple!
Shannon
Posted at 03:46h, 15 April@kaitlin – How many is a lot of avocados? I have been wondering about this and none of the articles reference the quantity. Thanks!
IJEOMA CHUKS EZEH
Posted at 08:24h, 04 JulyI just had my embryo transfer. What should I be eating for the next 2 weeks until the pregnancy test?
Kaitlin
Posted at 19:41h, 06 JanuaryKeep trying! I have had a baby from IVF…I ate pineapple before my egg transfer and I think it might have helped. I also ate lots of avocados. Stay positive and relaxed. Good luck to all of you!
Katy
Posted at 10:45h, 08 MarchThank you for a simple, sweet and positive comment! I’m starting a process and I feel really positive. I’m working on having the healthiest diet possible and I love avocado and pineapple!
Shannon
Posted at 03:46h, 15 April@kaitlin – How many is a lot of avocados? I have been wondering about this and none of the articles reference the quantity. Thanks!
IJEOMA CHUKS EZEH
Posted at 08:24h, 04 JulyI just had my embryo transfer. What should I be eating for the next 2 weeks until the pregnancy test?
shiela
Posted at 22:09h, 19 Julycan i ask when to eat pineapple core? is it after egg retrieval until embryo transfer?
Thanks
shiela
Posted at 22:09h, 19 Julycan i ask when to eat pineapple core? is it after egg retrieval until embryo transfer?
Thanks
Sarah
Posted at 08:59h, 02 DecemberWhat warm drinks would you suggest drinking. I’ve given up caffeine al together. Please help. Xxx
Sarah
Posted at 08:59h, 02 DecemberWhat warm drinks would you suggest drinking. I’ve given up caffeine al together. Please help. Xxx
Dee
Posted at 13:47h, 06 AprilWould guacamole just as good as eating an avocado?
Dee
Posted at 13:47h, 06 AprilWould guacamole just as good as eating an avocado?
Valerie
Posted at 07:07h, 17 MayHello
I am 41 and have had multiple miscarriages, I have a low follicle count if 2-4 even on clomid and am not ovulating regularly without it. Previous IVF with high gonal F of 450 only produced 5 eggs. So you recommend IVM to collect a few eggs to mature in the lab rather than IVF ? As drugs don’t seem to produce more or better quality eggs. I wish to use my own eggs.
Thank you
Valerie