Literature on the association between nutrients and dietary patterns on female fertility

NutrientSpeciesStudiesDose and durationConclusionReference
Dietary pattern
Mediterranean dietHumanCohort study3 yearsThe Mediterranean diet was linked with 2.7 times higher achieving of clinical pregnancy and live birth.[88]
Case-cohort study9 monthsThe study showed that adherence to the Mediterranean-type diet may enhance women’s fertility.[86]
Case-cohort study-The Mediterranean diet and lifestyle improved fertility.[89]
SeafoodHumanProspective cohort study≤ 1 year or until pregnancySeafood intake was linked with a higher sexual intercourse frequency and fecundity.[90]
Protein
Dairy foodHumanProspective cohort study2005–2007The result of the study showed that there was a link between increased dairy foods and decreased estradiol concentration, and the yogurt and cream intake with the risk of sporadic anovulation.[91]
Protein type and amount2004–2007The result showed that the higher dairy protein intake of more than 5.24% of energy was linked with lower antral follicle counts and accounts for infertility treatment in women.[92]
Dietary fats
TFA and omega-3 fatty acidHumanCohort study2011–2013The result showed that higher intake of TFA and low omega-3 fatty acid intake were linked with reduced fecundity.[93]
Carbohydrate
Whole grainHumanProspective cohort study2007–2014The result showed the higher intake of whole grain in the pre-treatment group was associated with a higher probability of live birth among IVF women.[94]
Antioxidants
Antioxidant’s supplementationHumanRandomized controlled trials-The result showed low to very low evidence that intake of antioxidants may benefit sub-fertile women but also showed no risk of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, and multiple births.[95]
Vitamin C and β-caroteneObservational-The couple’s intake of vitamin C and β-carotene was positively linked to fertilization rate but did not translate into higher pregnancy.[74]
Folic acidProspective cohort study2007–2011Folic acid supplementation was linked with increased fecundability.[96]

-: not applicable