Couples trying to conceive and not able to do so are increasing every day. Infertility has become an increasing problem throughout the world. Diet plays an important role in fertility in men and women.  Along with diet, \nlifestyle affects fertility and IVF success\n. Both these factors are overlooked these days, and when the time comes for the growth of the family, only then do they realise the \nimportance of fertility.\n\n
\nFertility & Diet:\nThe following are a few points to follow to have a positive impact on fertility:\n
\nThe Mediterranean Diet \npositively boosts mental and physical health. It also influences insulin resistance and helps in reducing the risk of obesity. Vegetables, pulses, fruits, and unrefined carbohydrates, low-fat dairy products, oily fish, and poultry should be consumed in good quantities for boosting fertility.  Consumption of red meat and sugary foods must be limited. A healthy dietary pattern increases the possibility of positive results in assisted reproductive technology like IUI, IVF, or ICSI. High glycemic foods and foods rich in animal protein are said to negatively affect fertility.\nA diet high in unsaturated fats, whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and full-fat dairy products helps in improving fertility in both men and women.  \nUnsaturated fats (avocados, olives, canola and olive oils, nuts, seeds, peanuts)\nWhole grains and legumes (beans, chickpeas, oats, farro, corn, arrowroot, quinoa)\nFruits and veggies (aim for a colorful plate)\nVariety of protein sources (with an emphasis on more plant-based protein sources)\nFull-fat dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)\nIron and Folic Acid:\nIt is important to have iron and folic acid-containing foods along with other regular diet. It is good to consult the doctor and plan your diet accordingly if you are planning to conceive. Include beans, peas, poultry, eggs, fish, dry fruits, etc, in rotation in your diet for iron.\nFor folic acid include whole grains, lentils, nuts, citrus, seeds, avocados, bell peppers, etc in your diet.\nNutritional Facts:\nUndereating and overeating are not good for \nFertility and Nutritional deficiencies\n and Nutritional deficiencies impact pregnancy after conception. Weight loss or dieting is not advised while trying to get pregnant or during pregnancy.  Checking with the health provider about any deficiency in minerals and vitamins will help to balance your food habits. \nOnly nutrition will not help in solving fertility issues.  Many other factors contribute to infertility. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and avoiding stress are also important factors to consider if you are planning to conceive. A good dietary pattern helps in maintaining a healthy body. Consulting a specialist is the solution for problems like PCOS/PCOD, endometriosis, or other factors relating to the uterus.\nIt is possible that folic acid, vitamin B-12, and vitamin B-6 affect fertility. Studies indicate that the supplementation of folic acid (particularly in a dose higher than the recommended one for the prevention of congenital defects and combined with vitamin B-12) in the period before pregnancy may increase the chances of becoming pregnant and ART success. Vitamin D likely participates in the modulation of female reproductive functions. The deficiency of vitamin D affects calcium balance, increases the production and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, as well as participates in glucose metabolism through stimulating the synthesis and secretion of insulin. Vitamin D receptors are expressed in numerous tissues of the reproductive organs, such as the ovaries, endometrium, placenta, and pituitary gland.\nIn fact, women with PCOS with vitamin D deficiency more frequently presented endocrine and metabolic disorders than women with normal vitamin D concentrations. Vitamin D supplements are an essential factor in infertility treatment using ART. \nThe proper concentration of minerals is essential for many physiological processes, including maintaining the normal quality of oocytes and embryo fertilization, maturation, and implantation. Therefore, women should pay attention to the proper intake of minerals and supplement the elements that could be deficient, particularly in terms of folic acid, calcium, iodine, iron, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12. Calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, and selenium are especially essential with regard to fertility. Calcium affects blood vessels, muscle contractions, nerve conduction, and hormone secretion. Additionally, the fetus uses the mother's skeletal calcium for bone growth. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin A are among the most potent antioxidants.\nAnother key element is iodine, affecting thyroid gland function, which is essential for proper fertility. In women experiencing moderate or severe iodine deficiency, pregnancy was delayed, and the chances of becoming pregnant in each cycle decreased when compared with women who were not iodine deficient. \nThe most common environmental causes that exacerbate oxidative stress comprise environmental pollutants, smoking, drug use, alcohol abuse, malnutrition, poor diet, and chronic diseases, including obesity and autoimmune diseases.\nDiet and nutritional patterns are undoubtedly significant for both male and female fertility; thus, it is worth investigating the components of the diet and their influence on fertility. A properly balanced diet should provide all minerals and vitamins, except for vitamin D and folic acid, which should be supplemented.\n

A balanced and nutrition-rich diet, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fats, and essential vitamins, improves hormonal balance, egg and sperm quality, and overall reproductive health.

Couples should limit: Processed and sugary foods; High glycaemic index foods; Excess red meat; Trans fats; Alcohol, and avoid smoking.

Yes. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to ovulatory disorders, PCOS, insulin resistance, and reduced IVF success rates. Adequate vitamin D levels support reproductive organ function.

If conception does not occur after \n1 year\n of unprotected intercourse (under 35 years)
\n6 months\n (above 35 years);  Early consultation at \nGarbhaGudi IVF Centre\n helps identify causes and plan personalised treatment.\n

Learn about the best foods and nutritional habits to enhance fertility and improve reproductive health.

A Guide to Fertility-Friendly Nutrition