Fatty acids intake and outcomes of assisted reproduction in women referring to an Italian Fertility Service: cross‐sectional analysis of a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background Infertility affects 15% of couples in Italy and approximately 10%–12% of couples worldwide. Focusing on female fertility, there are multiple causes, among which diet has a great influence. Methods We investigated whether the consumption of certain fatty acids affects four outcomes of the assisted reproduction techniques. From September 2014 to December 2016, women referring to our Italian fertility unit, eligible for assisted reproduction techniques, were invited to participate. Information on diet was recorded through a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results Four hundred and ninety‐four women were included, of whom 95% achieved good quality oocytes, 87% achieved embryo transfer, 32.0% achieved clinical pregnancies and 24.5% achieved pregnancy at term. The fourth quartile of saturated fatty acids consumption, compared to the first one, showed an association with clinical pregnancy (adjusted relative risk 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.45–1.00, p = 0.0491). Some associations emerge accounting for confounders. Age was associated with clinical pregnancy and pregnancy at term in the models considering all fatty intakes and food groups variables but was not associated with oocytes quality and embryo transfer. Physical activity was associated with clinical pregnancy. Conclusions There is biological plausibility for the effect of omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on oocyte development via synthesis of eicosanoids, even if only limited associations are shown in the present study. Future research should aim to measure the serum levels of fatty acids and investigate the outcomes of assisted reproduction techniques.

Oil‐based contrast for hysterosalpingography‐regulated Th1/Th2‐type cytokines and alleviated inflammation in rats with LPS‐induced chronic endometritis

“…The active ingredient of the form of oil‐based contrast currently used clinically is ethyl esters of iodinated fatty acids of poppy seed oil; polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) account for 98% of this content 8 . Dietary supplementation with PUFAs showed an association with clinical pregnancy and improved folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation, embryo quality and implantation, placentation and the female reproductive lifespan 24 . PUFAs are also involved in immunity and the regulation of endometrial decidualization 25 .…”

“…8 Dietary supplementation with PUFAs showed an association with clinical pregnancy and improved folliculogenesis, oocyte maturation and ovulation, embryo quality and implantation, placentation and the female reproductive lifespan. 24 PUFAs are also involved in immunity and the regulation of endometrial decidualization. 25 Reports have shown that PUFAs have immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory effects and have been shown to activate IL-4-driven Th2 cells and to directly inhibit the IL-2-induced activation of Th1 cells.…”

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Women and Reproductive Health across the Lifespan: A Narrative Review

“…The whole grains present in the MD may also play a role in reproductive health via their high content of dietary fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and promote the growth of desirable gut microbiota that are relevant to conditions such as PMS, menstrual irregularities, and PCOS [117][118][119][120][121]. In addition, the moderate consumption of red wine may have a positive effect on reproductive health outcomes due to resveratrol's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while a high intake of fish ensures an adequate supply of omega-3 fatty acids, which are particularly relevant with regard to the prevention of PMS and infertility [58,122]. Additionally, the MD is characterized by a limited intake of animal-origin products, which may contribute to a lower intake of saturated fats and a higher intake of unsaturated fats (such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fish); this may have beneficial effects on reproductive health, especially PCOS and infertility [122,123].…”

Optimising nutritional status for healthy pregnancy

“…In these cases, it is possible to explore whether dietary factors increase the likelihood that such therapies are successful and to conduct randomised controlled trials. De Cosmi et al 9 studied around 500 women undergoing fertility treatment and noted that higher intakes of saturated fatty acids were associated with a reduced likelihood of clinically confirmed pregnancy. They postulated that higher intakes of n ‐3 and n ‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids improved the quality of harvested oocytes, increasing the likelihood of successful fertilisation and implantation into the uterus.…”