Omega-3 Intake in Both Partners Linked to Better IVF Outcomes
This study followed 229 couples undergoing fertility treatment (410 IVF/ART cycles) at a Boston fertility clinic, looking at how much omega-3 fatty acids each partner ate before starting treatment. Diet was measured with a detailed food questionnaire, and researchers tracked outcomes like implantation, pregnancy, live birth, and semen quality.
Women who ate the most EPA and DHA (the long-chain omega-3s found in fatty fish) had a notably higher chance of live birth compared to women eating the least — about 54% versus 36%. Higher intake was also linked to a much lower risk of pregnancy loss after a positive pregnancy test.
For men, higher total omega-3 intake was associated with better sperm count, concentration, and motility, but it wasn’t directly linked to whether the couple achieved pregnancy or live birth through ART. Similar patterns were seen when looking at nut and fish consumption specifically, rather than omega-3s as a nutrient alone.
What this means for you
For couples going through fertility treatment, this study suggests that a woman’s diet richer in long-chain omega-3s (like DHA and EPA from fish) may be associated with a better chance of live birth and lower risk of early pregnancy loss, while a man’s omega-3 intake may support healthier sperm parameters. As an observational study, it shows an association rather than proof that omega-3 intake directly causes these outcomes, so it can’t be used to make treatment claims.
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American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology · 2022-03-30 · DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.03.053
Read the original source ↗This summary is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making changes to your supplement routine.