A groundbreaking study by researchers from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili and Harvard University has revealed the significant impact of diet on the success of infertility treatments.
Published in JAMA Network Open, the study suggests that women who adhere to a diet recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) before pregnancy are 13-15% less likely to experience miscarriage.
Understanding the Role of Diet in Infertility Treatments
Infertility affects 12% to 15% of couples globally, with lifestyle and environmental factors playing a critical role.
While the influence of specific foods and nutrients on infertility treatments has been studied, the impact of overall dietary patterns remained largely unexplored until now.
The Study: Examining Dietary Patterns and Treatment Outcomes
The research involved 612 women aged 18 to 45 undergoing intrauterine injection and in vitro fertilization, totaling over 1,500 treatment cycles.
By analyzing the women’s diets prior to treatment, the researchers evaluated their adherence to eight globally recognized healthy dietary patterns.
AHA Diet: A Key to Reducing Miscarriage Risk
The study focused on the AHA diet, characterized by high consumption of fish, whole grains, omega-3 fatty acids, and folic acid.
Women following this diet showed a significantly lower risk of miscarriage compared to those who did not. This diet, varied and without restrictions, proved essential for human reproduction.
Other Dietary Patterns and Findings
While no significant associations were found with other healthy dietary patterns, the trend was similar, except for the plant-based vegetarian diet.
The absence of vitamin B12 or omega-3-rich foods like fish and meat in the vegetarian diet may account for the difference.
Implications for Future Research and Nutritional Interventions
This research not only sheds light on the importance of diet in the success of assisted reproduction but also sets the stage for future studies.
Investigating the effects of nutritional interventions on human fertility could open new avenues for improving infertility treatment outcomes.
In summary, this study highlights the potential benefits of a heart-healthy diet in reducing the risk of pregnancy loss during infertility treatments, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers and couples undergoing such procedures.
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The research findings can be found in JAMA Network Open.
