Explore how personalised nutrition can optimise fertility and IVF outcomes.
You’re already aware that IVF is a complex process, involving not just medical procedures but a full-body effort. One of the most powerful—and often overlooked—ways you can support your body during this journey is through nutrition. The food you eat directly affects your reproductive system, from hormone production to egg quality, and can play a significant role in the success of your IVF cycle.
But fertility nutrition isn’t just about eating a “healthy diet.” It’s about giving your body exactly what it needs to create the optimal environment for conception, implantation, and pregnancy.
You probably know that diet impacts fertility, but let’s dive into how strategic nutrition can directly influence your IVF outcome.
Your body is about to undergo intense hormonal stimulation, the creation of multiple eggs, and hopefully, the development of a healthy embryo.
The quality of the nutrients you provide plays a crucial role at every stage:
The nutrients you consume—especially antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids—help protect eggs and sperm from oxidative damage and improve their overall quality. This isn’t just about producing a good number of eggs, but about ensuring those eggs (and sperm) are viable, reducing the chances of chromosomal abnormalities.
IVF success depends heavily on your hormone levels being just right. Nutritional imbalances, insulin resistance, or chronic inflammation can throw these hormones off-kilter. Nutrient-dense foods help keep your hormone production in check, providing the building blocks for oestrogen, progesterone, and other key hormones needed for a smooth IVF cycle.
Your uterine lining plays a crucial role in whether an embryo implants successfully. Specific nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and iron can help create a more receptive uterine lining, increasing the chances of successful implantation. The vaginal (and seminal) microbiome is also important to consider – through testing and specific strains of probiotics, the environment can be optimised ahead of IVF and pregnancy.
For male partners, nutrition is equally important since 50% of the DNA of your future baby comes from each partner. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium are shown to boost sperm quality, improving motility and reducing DNA fragmentation.
Once you have the knowledge, putting it into action is the next step. Knowing what nutrients you need is one thing—integrating them into your daily life in a way that supports your IVF journey is another.
Here are some key strategies to make fertility nutrition work for you:
Supplements can help fill gaps, but real, whole foods are your best source of nutrients. Think colourful vegetables, high-quality proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Your diet should be as rich in variety as it is in nutrients.
Blood sugar balance is key for hormone regulation. Every meal should include a balance of protein, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbohydrates to keep insulin levels stable, which is essential for reproductive health. For example, salmon with brown rice or sweet potato and at least two more vegetables such as some greens.
Minimising your exposure to harmful chemicals is essential. Choose organic, pesticide-free produce when possible and limit processed foods loaded with preservatives, additives, and refined sugars. These can interfere with hormonal balance and contribute to inflammation.
Plastics such as BPA are endocrine disrupting meaning they impact your hormone levels so reducing plastic exposure is key. Choose glass water bottles, filter your water, choose natural products and avoid heating foods up in plastics to limit your exposure.
Hydration goes beyond just drinking water. Electrolyte balance is essential, especially if you’re exercising regularly. Coconut water, herbal teas, and naturally flavoured water with a pinch of sea salt can help maintain electrolyte levels.
We know the usual suspects—vitamins, minerals, hydration—but when it comes to IVF, precision matters. Here are the nutrients that can make a real difference during your cycle:
These powerful fats don’t just reduce inflammation. They enhance egg quality, improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and support hormone production. Cold-water fish like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts are great sources, but supplementation may be necessary for optimal levels.
You’ve likely heard about the importance of antioxidants, but during IVF, their role is magnified. Vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, NAC, and selenium protect both eggs and sperm from oxidative stress—a key contributor to fertility issues.
Often underappreciated, Vitamin D is directly tied to fertility. Studies show women with adequate Vitamin D levels have higher IVF success rates. This nutrient supports egg quality, hormone balance, and uterine receptivity.
If you’re undergoing IVF, CoQ10 is non-negotiable. It’s been shown to significantly improve egg quality, especially in women over 35. It’s also beneficial for male fertility, boosting sperm motility and reducing DNA fragmentation. Quality and form is important here.
Folate plays a critical role in cell division and embryo development. While many focus on synthetic folic acid, it’s essential to consume food-based folate (leafy greens, legumes) and consider bioavailable supplements for maximum absorption.
While general tips are useful, understanding exactly what to eat for your specific needs can be difficult. Personalised nutrition goes beyond standard advice, targeting the unique requirements of your reproductive system. By partnering with a specialist, you can create a strategic plan that enhances your IVF success.
Your body is capable of incredible things, and sometimes, it just needs the right tools to unlock its full potential. That’s where Jen Walpole Nutrition comes in. Jen is more than a nutritionist—she’s an expert in helping couples optimise their fertility through tailored, science-backed nutrition. She understands the complexities of IVF and how to create personalised plans that work in harmony with your treatment. With Jen, you’ll gain access to
Jen takes a holistic approach, looking at your medical history, fertility challenges, and lifestyle to develop a plan that’s fully tailored to your needs.
Instead of generic advice, Jen will provide you with practical, personalised meal plans, complete with nutrient-dense recipes and guidance that fits your life.
Your fertility journey is constantly evolving, and so are your nutritional needs. Receive recommendations to keep your body nourished to support your IVF success.
Your fertility journey is a profound, personal experience, and every decision you make can bring you closer to your dream. IVF is a significant investment in your future, and your body deserves the best support to make the most of this opportunity. Nutrition is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal, offering the chance to enhance your IVF outcomes and optimise your body’s potential.
By working with Jen Walpole Nutrition, you’re not just following a meal plan—you’re committing to a science-based strategy that evolves with your body’s needs. Whether you’re still trying to conceive, preparing to start IVF, or newly pregnant, Jen provides personalised nutrition plans tailored to every stage of your fertility journey.
Jen Walpole is a registered Nutritional Therapist that splits her time between her London clinic and online clients. She is also a member of BANT (The British Association of Nutritional Therapists) and the CNHC (Complementary and Natural Health Care Council). It was Jen’s own health struggles that led her to Nutritional Therapy, suffering with hormonal imbalances throughout her 20’s which resulted in a PCOS diagnosis. What began as a passion for healthy eating and living, led Jen to study for a three year Naturopathic Nutrition diploma at the prestigious College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Jen uses a functional, evidence-based and personalised approach to nutrition that focuses on the individual as a whole whilst incorporating lifestyle factors. She has a keen interest in fertility and hormone balance, typically working with clients that are experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, have been diagnosed with PCOS, endometriosis or couples that have difficulty conceiving and are considering their next steps, whether that be via natural conception or IVF. She runs a busy clinic online and is also available for in-person sessions at the beautiful Cloud Twelve wellness clinic in Notting Hill, London.
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Disclaimer: Information provided above is for informational purposes only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prevent any disease including infertility treatment. Resources published on the website shall be treated as “information or opinion” not medical advice. Services provided by www.dreamIVFcyprus.com are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and are not intended as medical advice. Following initial assessment and consultation, Dream IVF Cyprus refers suitable patients to an infertility specialist for discussing IVF treatment options.
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