Preparing for IVF: How Nutrition Can Support Your Treatment Success
If you're preparing for IVF, you're likely feeling a mix of hope, anxiety, and determination to do everything possible to support your treatment success. While IVF protocols are primarily medical, emerging research shows that nutrition and lifestyle factors can significantly influence treatment outcomes. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how strategic nutrition support can optimise your body's response to treatment.
The Science: How Nutrition Impacts IVF Outcomes
Research increasingly demonstrates that nutrition affects multiple aspects of IVF success:
Egg quality: Antioxidants and specific nutrients support mitochondrial function in eggs
Hormone response: Proper nutrition supports your body's response to IVF medications
Implantation: Certain nutrients may improve endometrial receptivity
Overall outcomes: Studies show higher pregnancy rates in women with better nutritional status
Pre-IVF Nutrition: The 3-Month Window
Why 3 months matters: It takes approximately 90 days for eggs to mature from recruitment to ovulation. This means the nutrients you consume today are supporting the eggs that may be retrieved during your IVF cycle.
Essential Pre-IVF Nutrients
Folate (not just folic acid):
Critical for DNA synthesis and cell division
Sources: Dark leafy greens, legumes, asparagus
Omega-3 fatty acids:
Support egg quality and may improve IVF outcomes
Sources: Fatty fish, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds
Consider high-quality supplementation if dietary intake is low
Antioxidants:
Protect eggs from oxidative stress
Include: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, CoQ10
Sources: Colourful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds
Vitamin D:
Linked to better IVF outcomes in some studies
Many women are deficient
Testing and supplementation often necessary
Iron:
Important for energy and overall health
Sources: Lean meats, fish, legumes, spinach
Combine plant sources with vitamin C for better absorption
The IVF Nutrition Protocol: Phase by Phase
Phase 1: Preparation (3 months before starting)
Focus: Building nutritional reserves and optimizing overall health
Daily nutrition priorities:
7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables
Quality protein at every meal
Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado)
Adequate hydration (8-10 glasses of water daily)
Prenatal vitamin with methylated folate if appropriate for you
Consider adding:
CoQ10 supplement for egg quality
Vitamin D if levels are low
High-quality omega-3 supplement
Probiotic for gut health
Phase 2: Stimulation Phase
Focus: Supporting your body through hormone medications
Key strategies:
Maintain stable blood sugar with regular, balanced meals
Stay well-hydrated (even more important during stims)
Include anti-inflammatory foods
Prioritize easy-to-digest options if nausea occurs
Helpful during stimulation:
Ginger tea for nausea
Reduce or eliminate caffeine
Electrolyte-rich foods (coconut water, bone broth)
Lighter meals if bloating occurs
Continue all established supplements unless advised otherwise by your clinic
Phase 3: Egg Retrieval Recovery
Focus: Supporting recovery and preparing for transfer
Immediate post-retrieval:
Light, easily digestible foods
Plenty of fluids to prevent OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome)
Anti-inflammatory foods
Gentle movement as approved by your medical team
Recovery nutrition:
Protein for healing (aim for 20-25g per meal)
Antioxidant-rich foods for recovery
Adequate calories to support healing
Continue hydration focus
Phase 4: Transfer and Two-Week Wait
Focus: Supporting implantation and early pregnancy
Nutrition priorities:
Continue all established healthy eating patterns
Don't make dramatic changes
Stay hydrated but not excessively so
Include warming foods if that brings comfort
Avoid:
Raw fish and undercooked meats
Excessive caffeine
Alcohol
High mercury fish
Male Partner Nutrition for IVF
If male factor infertility is involved or you're using fresh sperm:
Key nutrients for sperm health:
Zinc (oysters, pumpkin seeds, lean meat)
Selenium (Brazil nuts, fish, eggs)
Antioxidants (colorful fruits and vegetables)
Omega-3s (fatty fish, walnuts)
Folate (leafy greens, legumes)
Timeline: Sperm takes about 74-100 days to develop, so improvements should begin 2-3 months before egg retrieval.
Foods to Emphasize During IVF
Anti-inflammatory powerhouses:
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries)
Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds)
Blood sugar stabilisers:
Quinoa and other whole grains
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans)
Sweet potatoes
Oats (when combined with fat and protein)
Protein sources:
Wild-caught fish
Organic poultry
Grass-fed meat (in moderation)
Plant-based proteins (tofu, tempeh, legumes)
Supplements to Discuss with Your Team
Commonly beneficial:
High-quality prenatal vitamin
Omega-3 fatty acids
Vitamin D (if deficient)
CoQ10 (dose will be case specific)
Potentially helpful:
Probiotic for gut health
Magnesium for stress and sleep
Melatonin for egg quality (under supervision)
Inositol, NAC, B complex, ALA - May also be appropriate depending on your unique case
Important: Always discuss supplements with your IVF team, as some may interact with medications or protocols.
What to Avoid or Limit
Completely avoid:
Alcohol
Raw or undercooked animal products
High-mercury fish
Excessive caffeine (over 200mg daily)
Limit:
Highly processed foods
Excessive sugar
Trans fats
Excessive soy (moderate amounts are fine)
Managing IVF Stress Through Nutrition
Blood sugar stability helps mood: Regular, balanced meals prevent energy crashes that can worsen anxiety
Magnesium-rich foods: Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds can support nervous system health
Omega-3s: May help with mood regulation during stressful treatment periods
Avoid: Excessive caffeine, which can increase anxiety
Practical Tips for IVF Nutrition
Meal prep strategies:
Batch cook proteins and grains on weekends
Pre-cut vegetables for easy meals
Keep frozen vegetables and fruits on hand
Prepare healthy snacks in advance
During treatment:
Keep snacks in your car for long clinic appointments
Bring water bottles to all appointments
Have easy meal options ready for post-retrieval recovery
Ask your partner or support system to help with meal preparation
When to Seek Professional Nutrition Support
Consider working with a fertility nutritionist if:
You want a personalised IVF or egg freezing preparation nutrition protocol
You've had previous failed IVF cycles and may benefit from functional testing
You want supplement guidance specific to your situation
You're feeling overwhelmed by nutrition information
You’ve had ongoing gut or hormone issues and want to address these issues before starting an IVF cycle or egg freezing cycle
The Emotional Component
Remember that nutrition is just one piece of the IVF puzzle. While it's important to optimise your approach, it's equally important not to create additional stress through rigid food rules or perfectionism.
Focus on:
Progress, not perfection
Nourishment, not restriction
Supporting your body through a challenging process
Maintaining experiences bring you comfort and joy
Preparing for IVF is a journey that involves your entire being—physical, emotional, and mental. While your medical team handles the technical aspects of treatment, thoughtful nutrition support can help ensure your body is optimally prepared to respond to treatment and support a healthy pregnancy.
Remember: you're already doing something incredibly brave by pursuing IVF. Adding strategic nutrition support is just one more way to honour your body and your dreams of building a family.
If you're preparing for IVF, egg freezing or natural conception and want personalised nutrition support, consider booking a discovery call to discuss how I can support you through your treatment journey.
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