For many couples and solo Mums/Dads, the path to parenthood isn’t as straightforward as they had hoped. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) can be an effective solution for those who are having difficulty conceiving naturally, but it is not a guaranteed fix. Fortunately, there is something else you can do to help increase your chances of success and your own health- nutritional therapy. Let’s take a look at what nutrition can help support your IVF success rate.
Timeline is Key
Nutritional advice for IVF is essentially the same as the other preconception diet advice. If you need support with egg quality, sperm health or a hormonal condition then timeline for IVF is paramount. When you are booked in for egg or sperm retrieval, ideally you would have been following the preconception advice for 3 months.
Focus on Nutrient Density
Eating a nutritious, nutrient dense diet is important for anyone who wants to be healthy, but it takes on added importance during an IVF cycle. A nutrient dense diet helps to maintain optimal body weight, which can increase your chances of success with fertility treatments like IVF. It also boosts energy levels, improves moods and helps regulate hormones. Additionally, eating healthy foods provides essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and fertility.
When trying to conceive through IVF, it’s essential to get adequate amounts of key nutrients like folate, iron, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, zinc and selenium—all of which are necessary for reproductive health and pregnancy success rates. Foods rich in these nutrients include vegetables; nuts; beans; whole grains; proteins such as fish or meat; eggs and diary products. See the Rosie Tadman Nutrition’s nutrient dense plate example below:
