Dietary Pattern Advice provided by UK Fertility Clinics to their patients: A critical narrative review
By Kara Garnett - Nutrition Science and Practice
Abstract
Background:
Dietary changes can significantly increase live birth rates in women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques (ART). Due to the relatively high cost and low success rate of fertility treatment, improving modifiable behaviours, including diet, is an important facet of pre-conception treatment. Dietary patterns are considered easier to implement than advice regarding individual nutrients.
Aim:
To determine what dietary pattern advice is given by UK fertility clinics to patients undergoing ART and whether this reflects the current evidence base.
Objectives:
Investigate dietary pattern advice given by UK fertility clinics, comparing it to recent research and relevant NICE guidelines;
- Draw conclusions regarding the quality of dietary advice given to patients undergoing ART;
- Recommend dietary pattern advice for fertility clinics to use with patients.
Methodology:
This study is a critical narrative review. Dietary advice provided by all UK fertility clinics meeting inclusion criteria was sought and captured before being compared against;
- Four current NICE guidelines related to fertility and nutrition, and;
- Research related to dietary patterns and ART outcomes.
Findings:
Dietary advice was available for 28 out of 96 eligible UK fertility clinics. Of these, six recommended a dietary pattern to their patients; either the Eatwell Guide or a Mediterranean diet. Evidence regarding the benefits of Mediterranean diet on ART outcomes is inconsistent, with heterogeneous definitions of the diet across studies. No evidence for the Eatwell Guide in relation to improved ART outcomes was found, although it was included in two NICE guidelines. There is limited emerging evidence for alternative dietary patterns.
Conclusion:
Further research is needed to support dietary pattern advice for ART patients. A Mediterranean diet showed mixed results and no evidence was found to support the Eatwell Guide as a dietary pattern for fertility. A specific fertility diet warrants further investigation.
