The Role of Nutrition in Boosting IVF Success

2/24/2026 11:50:00 AM   Lotus IVF Team   

A practical fertility nutrition guide

Beginning IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) is a major step, both medically and emotionally. While clinical expertise, laboratory quality, and treatment planning are essential, everyday lifestyle choices also play a powerful supporting role. Among these, nutrition is one of the most influential yet often underestimated factors.

A well-planned diet helps prepare the body for conception, supports egg and sperm health, and creates a favourable environment for implantation and pregnancy.

Why Nutrition Matters During IVF

Nutrition directly impacts reproductive health at a cellular and hormonal level. Research and clinical experience show that appropriate dietary choices can:

• Support healthier egg and sperm development
• Improve hormonal balance and ovulation patterns
• Strengthen the uterine lining for implantation
• Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
• Help the body cope better with the physical and emotional demands of IVF

At fertility centres such as Lotus IVF Centre, Bareilly, patients are often guided to view nutrition as a supportive partner to medical treatment, not a replacement for it.

Key Nutrients That Support IVF Outcomes

1. Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

Folic acid is essential for cell division and genetic development and plays a critical role even before pregnancy begins.

Benefits:

• Supports egg and sperm quality
• Reduces risk of early pregnancy complications

Food sources:
Spinach, fenugreek leaves, lentils, beans, broccoli, fortified grains

Practical advice:
Most fertility specialists recommend starting folic acid supplementation at least 2–3 months before IVF, as advised by your doctor.

2. Antioxidants

Oxidative stress can affect egg and sperm DNA. Antioxidants help protect reproductive cells from this damage.

Important antioxidants:
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zinc, Selenium, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Food sources:
Berries, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, colourful vegetables

A diet rich in natural colours often ensures a healthy antioxidant intake.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fats play a role in hormone regulation and uterine blood flow.

Benefits:

• Supports embryo development
• Improves uterine receptivity
• Helps balance inflammation
  
  

Food sources:
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts
Vegetarian options include algae-based omega-3 supplements (after medical advice).

4. Quality Protein (Plant & Animal)

Protein is essential for tissue repair, embryo growth, and hormonal stability.

Good sources:
Lentils, chickpeas, tofu, paneer, eggs, fish, lean poultry

Balancing plant-based and lean animal protein can support stable blood sugar and reproductive hormones.

5. Iron and Vitamin B12

Iron supports oxygen delivery to tissues, while Vitamin B12 plays a role in energy metabolism and ovulation.

Food sources:
Spinach, beetroot, eggs, lean meats, pumpkin seeds, fortified foods

Women following vegetarian diets may need closer monitoring of B12 levels during IVF.

6. Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is common and has been linked with poorer fertility outcomes.

Role in IVF:

• Supports hormone regulation
• May improve implantation potential
  
  

Sources:
Sunlight exposure, fortified dairy products, mushrooms, fatty fish

Checking Vitamin D levels before IVF is often recommended.

7. Complex Carbohydrates & Whole Grains

These provide steady energy and help prevent insulin spikes, which can affect ovulation.

Better choices:
Brown rice, oats, quinoa, millets, sweet potatoes
Refined sugars and white flour products are best limited.

Foods and Habits to Limit During IVF

Certain foods and habits can negatively influence fertility:

• Excess caffeine (limit to one small cup of coffee per day)
• Alcohol (best avoided during treatment)
• Smoking (significantly harms egg and sperm quality)
• Fried foods and trans fats
• Highly processed and sugary foods

Avoiding these helps reduce inflammation and hormonal disruption.

Practical Nutrition Tips for IVF Cycles

• Follow a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, olive oil, nuts, and lean proteins
• Stay well hydrated (2–3 litres of water daily)
• Eat small, balanced meals to stabilise blood sugar
• Prepare meals in advance to avoid skipped meals during treatment fatigue
• Take supplements only under medical guidance

Fertility specialists like Dr. Shruti Ghate often emphasise consistency over perfection when it comes to diet.

Nutrition and Male Fertility in IVF

Male fertility plays an equally important role in IVF success. Nutritional support for men can improve sperm quality and motility.

Key nutrients include:

• Zinc (pumpkin seeds, nuts, lean meats)
• Vitamins C & E (fruits, seeds, vegetables)
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Selenium and CoQ10

Men are also advised to reduce alcohol intake, stop smoking, and limit processed foods before IVF.

Supporting Lifestyle Factors Alongside Nutrition

Nutrition works best when combined with healthy habits:

• Moderate exercise (walking, yoga, swimming)
• Adequate sleep (7–8 hours)
• Stress management through relaxation techniques or counselling

IVF outcomes improve when the body and mind are supported together.

Final Thoughts

Nutrition cannot replace medical treatment, but it strengthens the body’s ability to respond to IVF. Thoughtful dietary choices support egg and sperm health, hormonal balance, and implantation readiness.

When combined with expert clinical care, emotional support, and healthy lifestyle habits, nutrition becomes a powerful tool in the fertility journey. At centres like Lotus IVF Centre, Bareilly, this holistic approach helps couples move forward with confidence and clarity.