Diet

Couple Fertility

Little research has been done investigating the link between diet and fertility in females and even less has been done in males. My work in this area has led to considerable insight on the role of nutrition, body weight, and physical activity on various markers of fertility.

Key Findings in Women:

• Higher intake of folate and vitamin B12 is associated with improved markers of ovarian reserve, lower risk of pregnancy loss, and higher probability of success following IVF.

• Higher intake of long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, particularly from fish/seafood, is related to shorter time to pregnancy and higher probability of live birth following IVF.

• Higher adherence to a healthy dietary pattern (most notably one that prioritizes supplemental folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, low- rather than high-pesticide residue produce, whole grains, dairy, soy foods, and seafood rather than other meats) was associated with an increased probability of live birth following ART.

• Higher whole grain intake is associated with increased endometrial thickness and higher chance of live birth following IVF

• Higher serum vitamin D levels are associated with improved fertilization rates following IVF but little benefit was seen on clinical outcomes following embryo transfer

• Preconception alcohol and caffeine intake in moderation to do appreciably affect IVF outcomes or risk of pregnancy loss.

Key Findings in Men:

• Higher adherence to a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish and whole grains is associated with better semen quality

• Higher consumption of processed meats is associated with lower while seafood (including fish and shellfish) is associated with higher semen parameters

• Low-fat dairy intake may be beneficial and full-fat dairy detrimental to semen quality

• Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages is associated with lower sperm quality

• Low or moderate caffeine and alcohol consumption has little to no association with sperm quality

• Higher moderate-to-vigorous activity and less sedentary time are associated with better semen quality

Key Publications

Gaskins AJ, Chavarro JE. Diet and fertility: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Apr; 218 (4): 379-389. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.010. Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28844822; PMCID: PMC5826784.

LaPointe S, Mehta A, Gaskins AJ. Diet and recreational drug use in relation to male reproductive health. Fertil Steril. 2023 Dec; 120 (6): 1089-1097. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.013. Epub 2023 Oct 12. PMID: 37838140.

Gaskins AJ, Nassan FL, Chiu YH, Arvizu M, Williams PL, Keller MG, Souter I, Hauser R, Chavarro JE; EARTH Study Team. Dietary patterns and outcomes of assisted reproduction. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jun; 220(6): 567.e1-567.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.02.004. Epub 2019 Feb 8. PMID: 30742825; PMCID: PMC6545142.

Gaskins AJ, Sundaram R, Buck Louis GM, Chavarro JE. Seafood Intake, Sexual Activity, and Time to Pregnancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Jul 1; 103 (7): 2680-2688. doi: 10.1210/jc.2018-00385. PMID: 29800287; PMCID: PMC6276709.

Gaskins AJ, Rich-Edwards JW, Hauser R, Williams PL, Gillman MW, Ginsburg ES, Missmer SA, Chavarro JE. Maternal prepregnancy folate intake and risk of spontaneous abortion and stillbirth. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Jul; 124 (1): 23-31. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000343. PMID: 24901281; PMCID: PMC4086728.

Gaskins AJ, Afeiche MC, Wright DL, Toth TL, Williams PL, Gillman MW, Hauser R, Chavarro JE. Dietary folate and reproductive success among women undergoing assisted reproduction. Obstet Gynecol. 2014 Oct; 124 (4): 801-809. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000000477. PMID: 25198264; PMCID: PMC4172634.

Audrey Gaskins