Nutrition for Fertility
A balanced diet plays an important role in fertility, and attention should be given to nutrient intake, including foods rich in B vitamins and limiting saturated fats. However, diet alone is not sufficient for fertility. Other factors, such as inflammation, toxin buildup, and pathogens, should also be considered for successful conception.
NUTRITION
Sheryl Aguelo
8/10/20261 min read
In conventional medicine, infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse, or after 6 months if the woman is 35 years or older. In functional medicine, infertility is viewed as a sign of underlying imbalances in the body, such as hormonal disruption, metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, and stress. These factors can interfere with natural conception, even in women over 35 and before menopause.
A fertility-focused dietary approach developed by researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health in 2007, based on the Nurses’ Health Study II, links diet and lifestyle with pregnancy success. It recommends avoiding trans fats and increasing unsaturated fats, eating more plant-based proteins, choosing low-glycemic carbohydrates like whole grains, and including full-fat dairy products. It also emphasizes multivitamins with folic acid, adequate iron intake, proper hydration, regular moderate exercise, and, if needed, a modest 5–10% weight loss.
A healthy diet is important for fertility. It should include adequate carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, with special attention to iron and folate intake. Choosing more unsaturated plant-based fats and limiting saturated fats, especially from fried foods, is recommended. Raw milk should be avoided due to the risk of harmful bacteria such as Listeria. During pregnancy, maintaining a healthy weight is important, along with regular moderate exercise.
Beyond diet, two key factors should also be considered: reducing harmful pathogens and toxin accumulation, both of which can contribute to inflammation and hormonal or metabolic imbalance. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in folate and iron during the first trimester, are also important. These considerations remain relevant even in advanced maternal age, including pregnancies beyond 40 years old
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