Mediterranean Diet May Improve IVF Success Rates

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may improve IVF success rates. Classically, the Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil and low in red meat. A recent article published in Human Reproduction studied the dietary habits of 244 women undergoing IVF in Greece. All participants were under 41 years of age and none were obese.

Women who followed a Mediterranean diet exhibited higher pregnancy rates (50%) compared to women who did not follow a Mediterranean diet (29.1%). Similarly, a Mediterranean diet was associated with higher live birth rates (48.8% versus 26.6%). The benefit was most pronounced in women less than 35 years of age. These findings validate earlier studies out of the Netherlands, which showed similar results.

More studies are required to further explore the association between a Mediterranean diet and IVF success rates. In the meantime, these findings certainly warrant consideration in couples trying to conceive. At Fertility Centers of New England (FCNE), we encourage all of our patients to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to have the best possible chance of conceiving, and we are very proud of our outstanding pregnancy rates. If you have questions about your or your partner’s fertility, please contact us today!