The Influence of Diet on Fertility and the Implications for Public Health Nutrition in the United States

Abstract

Despite growing evidence of the impact of diet on human fertility, few studies have examined the public health implications of this association in the United States (U.S.). This narrative review summarizes current scientific evidence on associations between dietary intake and fertility, discusses challenges in the public health landscape surrounding infertility, and proposes evidence-based recommendations to address these issues. Diets high in unsaturated fats, whole grains, vegetables, and fish have been associated with improved fertility in both women and men. While current evidence on the role of dairy, alcohol, and caffeine is inconsistent, saturated fats, and sugar have been associated with poorer fertility outcomes in women and men. Furthermore, women and men with obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2] have a higher risk of infertility. This risk is extended to women who are underweight (BMI <20 kg/m2). Diet and BMI influence outcomes during clinical treatment for infertility. Further, women in the U.S. who belong to an underrepresented minority group, have low income, or have low educational attainment, have significantly higher rates of infertility outcomes as compared to women who are non-Hispanic white, have high income, or have high educational attainment. Given this, it may be prudent to integrate nutrition counseling into both clinical guidelines for infertility as well as national dietary guidelines for individuals of reproductive age. Further studies on diet and reproductive health may enhance our ability to improve existing fertility programs across the U.S. and to deliver tailored care to women and men within at-risk groups.

Regulation of BMP Signaling by O-GlcNAcylation

“…food abundance) and diminished in unfavorable conditions (e.g. food scarcity) (Fontana and Della Torre, 2016;Panth et al, 2018). In accordance with these associations, our observation that O-GlcNAc normally suppresses Sax-mediated transduction of Dpp evokes the expectation that nutrient-poor conditions will activate Sax-mediated transduction of Dpp/BMP -presumably to augment Dpp/BMP signaling and limit embryo viability in sub-optimal growth conditions.…”

The effect of dietary protein intake on factors associated with male infertility: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis of animal clinical trials in rats

“…Nutritional factors have an important effect on the reproductive system (Bindari et al, 2013), and its endocrine glands are tightly connected and reciprocally regulated by dietary factors (Gaskins and Chavarro, 2018;Panth et al, 2018). Dietary protein is an important component of adequate nutrition and regulates animal metabolic profile that provides signals to the reproductive axis (Polkowska et al, 1996).…”

Mediterranean diet improves embryo yield in IVF: a prospective cohort study

“…There is strong evidence indicating that healthy dietary situation may be beneficial to both male and female fertility [2]. It has been reported that light dairy products [3], animal protein [4], carbohydrates [5] and trans unsaturated fats [6] are correlated with ovulatory infertility.…”