Assessing the influence of preconception diet on female fertility: a systematic scoping review of observational studies

Preconception diet is a proposed modifiable risk factor for infertility(1). However, there is no official guidance for women in the preconception period as to which dietary approaches may improve fertility. A comprehensive synthesis of the relevant evidence is key to determine the potentially effect...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2024-04, Vol.83 (OCE1), Article E83
Main Authors: Alesi, S., Habibi, N., Silva, T.R., Cheung, N., Torkel, S., Tay, C.T., Quinteros, A., Winter, H., Teede, H., Mousa, A., Grieger, J.A., Moran, L.J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Beverages
Case studies
Clinical trials
Diet
Eating behavior
Exposure
Fast food
Fatty acids
Fertility
Food
Food intake
Heterogeneity
Infertility
Inflammation
Observational studies
Pregnancy
Reviews
Risk factors
Seafood
Trans fatty acids
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Summary:Preconception diet is a proposed modifiable risk factor for infertility(1). However, there is no official guidance for women in the preconception period as to which dietary approaches may improve fertility. A comprehensive synthesis of the relevant evidence is key to determine the potentially effective dietary patterns and components as well as evidence gaps, and to provide information for nutritional recommendations for couples planning a pregnancy. In this systematic scoping review, four electronic databases (Medline and EMBASE via Ovid processing, CAB Direct, and CINAHL via EBSCO) were searched for observational studies (prospective and retrospective cohort, cross-sectional, and case–control studies) from inception to 27 September 2021. Eligible studies included women of reproductive age during the preconception period, and evaluated exposures related to preconception diet and outcomes related to fertility. Results were synthesised using a descriptive approach. A total of 36 studies were eligible for inclusion (31 prospective, 3 cross-sectional, and 2 case–control studies) and were published between 2007 and 2022. Of the assessed dietary exposures, increased adherence to the Mediterranean diet displayed the strongest and most consistent association with improved clinical pregnancy rates. Reducing trans fatty acids (TFAs), saturated fatty acids, and discretionary food intake (fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages) were associated with improvements in live birth, clinical pregnancy rates, and related ART outcomes. The dietary components of seafood, dairy, and soy demonstrated inconsistent findings across the few included studies. Due to heterogeneity and the limited available literature on most exposures, there is insufficient evidence to support any specific dietary approach for improving fertility. However, following some of the dietary approaches outlined in this review (anti-inflammatory diets, reducing TFA, and discretionary food intake) are consistent with broad healthy eating guidelines, have little to no associated risk, and offer a plausible set of possible benefits. This warrants further exploration in randomised controlled trials.
ISSN:0029-6651
1475-2719
DOI:10.1017/S0029665124001010