Survey study, 2007
How does diet affect a woman's ability to get pregnant?
Folic acid supplements, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy diets with seafood, poultry, whole grains, fruits and vegetables are linked to better fertility. These findings come from reviewing studies rather than testing one new approach.
What they did
Reviewed published research on relationships between diet, supplements, and fertility in women.
What they found
Folic acid at higher doses was linked to fewer infertility cases, fewer losses, and better treatment success. Vitamin D was not important unless deficient. Antioxidants did not help women but helped men. Omega-3 fatty acids improved female fertility. Diets with seafood, poultry, grains, fruits and vegetables linked to better fertility. Dairy and soy not linked to poor fertility; soy may help in treatment. Moderate alcohol and caffeine did not appear to harm fertility.
What it means for you
Women hoping to become pregnant might benefit from eating well and taking folic acid. The main limitation is that this reviews past studies rather than testing new approaches, and many gaps remain in the evidence.
About the study
- Original title
- The evaluation of the effectiveness of pyridoxine (vitamin B6) for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Maryam Kashanian, Robabeh Mazinani, S.H. Jalalmanesh et al.
- Journal
- European Psychiatry
- Year
- 2007
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Folic acid, vitamin D, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary choices
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2007.01.933
Topics
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