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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 May 2024

S. Alesi
Affiliation:
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia
N. Habibi
Affiliation:
Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
T.R. Silva
Affiliation:
Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology and Metabolism, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, 90010-150, Brazil
N. Cheung
Affiliation:
Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
S. Torkel
Affiliation:
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia
C.T. Tay
Affiliation:
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia
A. Quinteros
Affiliation:
Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
H. Winter
Affiliation:
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, 3800, Australia
H. Teede
Affiliation:
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia
A. Mousa
Affiliation:
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia
J.A. Grieger
Affiliation:
Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
L.J. Moran
Affiliation:
Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Australia Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
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Abstract

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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.

Type
Abstract
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society

References

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