An effective IVF diet, ideally Mediterranean-style, boosts fertility outcomes in IVF cycles. It includes nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (fish, poultry), and healthy fats (olive oil, nuts).
Studies show this IVF diet improves egg and sperm quality, increases clinical pregnancy and live birth rates, and reduces the need for repeated IVF treatments. Key nutrients like folic acid (leafy greens, fortified foods) support embryo development, while zinc (nuts, seeds) enhances sperm and ovarian function.
Adequate protein from legumes and fish aids hormone production and tissue repair during ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer. Avoiding processed foods and sugars minimizes inflammation, optimizing fertility. This IVF diet supports both men and women, promoting a healthy pregnancy and easing IVF stress. For practical, evidence-based food recommendations, check TebMedTourism’s blog.
Why is it important to follow a diet during IVF?
Alongside choosing the best IVF clinic in the world in 2025, a key factor to getting the best result is taking the best IVF diet plan. The foundation of a successful IVF cycle and a healthy pregnancy involves sticking to the IVF diet exactly as prescribed during your IVF process. With a high success rate, you could avoid typical IVF problems and make a difficult journey simple and enjoyable.
The IVF diet has a perfect effect on improving the chances of successful IVF, according to statistics and real proof, which can help with several IVF issues. avoiding emotional and mindless eating in a truly helpful manner.
The treatment team, which includes embryologists, fertility specialists, and the agency staff, will fight to provide good outcomes, healthy pregnancies, and live births if patients stop worrying about their bodies.
Ovarian stimulation (IVF stimulation), egg harvesting, and embryo transfer are the three key components of the complex treatment known as IVF, which is related to the intended mother.
For each part, it is better for the intended mother to obey special diet orders that include dos and don’ts during IVF stimulation in the dietary field, dos and don’ts before egg retrieval in the dietary field, and dietary dos and don’ts before embryo transfer and the IVF diet plan after embryo transfer. Following all the above step-by-step will change the final result to a happy ending.
What should I eat during IVF?
To support your body’s needs and foods to eat during IVF treatment, concentrate on eating a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet full of nutritious foods. Lean meats, healthy fats, whole grains, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables are all included in this. Staying hydrated is also essential, as are meals that encourage a healthy uterine lining, such as pineapple, and foods that aid in estrogen balance, such as cauliflower and broccoli.
In the following, we’ll consider the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that increase IVF chances.
Zinc
Zinc is an important element that directly affects female reproduction, egg quality, cell division, and the construction of the baby’s DNA and cells. For pregnant women, 11 mg, and for women before IVF to increase egg quality, about 8 mg daily, typically will be prescribed. Consuming the following foods in addition to your fertility doctor’s prescription could be very helpful.
Folic acid
Supplementary folic acid is often recommended for women before pregnancy. Besides promoting fertility, folic acid supplementation can help protect against neural tube irregularities in a developing fetus. The good news is a direct relation between higher IVF success rates and higher folic acid supplementations. A high IVF success rate is equal to experiencing success in your first IVF cycle via your IVF journey with your eggs or the IVF egg donation procedure with donated eggs.
Iron
An appropriate level of iron is necessary to have good endometrial receptivity. According to experimental studies, intravenous iron supplementation has increased the success rate of IVF following iron deficiency repair.
Vitamin E
Both male and female fertility may be impacted by vitamin E, which may also help IVF patients have better results. According to studies, it may improve the health of sperm and eggs, which could increase fertilization rates and the quality of the resulting embryo. Additionally, it is thought to promote a healthy uterine lining, which is essential for the implantation of embryos.
How Vitamin E Could Benefit Women During IVF?
- Enhances Egg Quality: Antioxidant vitamin E may shield eggs from oxidative damage, which could enhance their fertility.
- Thickens Uterine Lining: The implantation of embryos depends on a healthy uterine lining. By thickening the lining and boosting blood flow to the uterus, vitamin E may increase the likelihood of a successful implantation.
For Men:
- Promotes Sperm Health: Vitamin E can help sperm motility and morphology, which are essential for fertilization, as well as shield them from oxidative damage.
- May Increase IVF Success Rates: Research indicates that males who consistently eat foods strong in vitamin E may experience greater success rates with IVF.
B Vitamins (B6, B12, Folic Acid)
Fertility and the success of IVF procedures depend heavily on B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folic acid. They facilitate the development of early embryos and are engaged in a number of activities, including hormone balance and the quality of eggs and sperm. Even though some studies point to advantages, further investigation is required to completely comprehend how they affect IVF results.
Important B Vitamins and How They Affect IVF:
- B9 folic acid: This vitamin is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, especially for the developing embryo and to prevent malformations of the neural tube. Infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage are linked to low vitamin B9 levels.
- B6: Ovulation and a healthy luteal phase depend on hormone balance, which is influenced by vitamin B6. Additionally, it might aid in controlling homocysteine levels, which have been connected to pregnancy issues.
- B12: Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, neuron function, and red blood cell creation. While lower levels have been linked to infertility, higher levels may improve fertility treatments.
How B Vitamins Influence IVF Success
- Better Egg and Sperm Quality: It is believed that B vitamins enhance the quality of eggs and sperm, which may result in healthier embryos.
- Increased Implantation Rates: According to certain research, increased folate and B12 levels may increase the likelihood that an embryo will implant.
- Increased Live Delivery Rates: One study found that greater levels of folate and B12 were associated with a higher chance of a live delivery, particularly in women undertaking numerous IVF embryo transfers.
- Decreased Risk of Miscarriage: B vitamins may help lower the risk of miscarriage, especially when paired with folate and B12.
- Possible Contribution to Homocysteine Reduction: For women who regularly miscarry or have specific genetic mutations, B6, B12, and folate can help reduce homocysteine levels.
Selenium
The antioxidant qualities of selenium, a trace mineral, as well as its effects on egg quality and fertilization rates, may contribute to female fertility and IVF results. Although some data indicates that selenium supplementation may help with some elements of IVF, such as glycemic control in PCOS-afflicted women, further studies are required to completely understand its effects, especially with reference to pregnancy rates and the ideal amounts of supplementation.
Coenzyme Q10
A naturally occurring antioxidant called coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may be helpful during IVF procedures, especially for women with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). There is mixed evidence regarding CoQ10’s effectiveness in raising IVF success rates, despite some studies suggesting that it can enhance egg quality, fertilization rates, and embryo quality in IVF cycles, especially for older women or those with DOR.
Possible Advantages:
- Better Egg Quality: CoQ10 may improve oocyte quality in elderly women by improving mitochondrial activity and reducing chromosomal abnormalities and fragmentation.
- Higher Fertilization Rates: Studies suggest that CoQ10 may raise the rates of fertilization during IVF cycles.
- Higher Clinical Pregnancy Rates: According to certain research, providing CoQ10 pretreatment to women getting IVF with DOR may raise the likelihood that they will become pregnant clinically.
- Decreased Cycle Cancellation: CoQ10 might lessen the break between IVF cycles.
- Ovarian Response Boosted: In women with DOR, pretreatment with CoQ10 may enhance ovarian response to stimulation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C may improve IVF results since it promotes reproductive health and has antioxidant properties. Its capacity to improve the quality of eggs and embryos may lead to higher conception rates. Current research suggests that vitamin C could be a useful addition to an IVF support regimen, but further research is required.
L-Carnitine
According to NIH (National Library of Medicine), by promoting mitochondrial function, L-carnitine supplementation seems to enhance embryo quality, particularly in cases of age-related fertility reduction. The quality of embryos on Days 3 and 5 after insemination considerably improved after oral L-carnitine use, but it had no discernible effect on the quantity of oocytes recovered or their rates of maturation and fertilization. According to this, L-carnitine improves post-fertilization growth potential, most likely via lowering cellular toxicity and encouraging fatty acid metabolism. These results suggest that L-carnitine may improve embryo development and implantation outcomes in IVF patients, even though its complete in vivo effects require additional validation.
High-Quality Protein
For both men and women undergoing IVF therapy, a well-balanced diet that includes high-quality protein is essential. Protein is essential for hormone production, egg quality, and embryo development—all of which are critical for the success of IVF.
Protein’s advantages for IVF quality of eggs and development of embryos:
- Healthy eggs and embryos depend on protein: For women with PCOS, blood sugar levels can be positively impacted by a diet high in protein.
- Hormone production and regulation: The synthesis of hormones that support embryo implantation and control the menstrual cycle depends on protein.
- Healthy sperm: Healthy sperm development is aided by amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein and enable cellular growth and repair.
- General health: Both men and women undergoing IVF therapy need protein for general health and well-being.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbs, which can be a good complement to an IVF diet, are generally good for fertility and can be found in foods like whole grains and legumes. Because of their gradual digestion, they aid in regulating insulin and blood sugar levels, which may enhance ovulation and have a beneficial effect on hormone balance.
The results concerning the quality of carbohydrates in women undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) were even more remarkable. Compared to women with the whole grain intake during the year preceding IVF treatment, those who consumed the most had a nearly 20% higher chance of implantation (positive beta-hCG) and live birth.
Monounsaturated Fats
Improved IVF outcomes, including increased live birth rates, have been associated with monounsaturated fats, especially those found in foods like avocados and olive oil. Diets heavy in trans and saturated fats, on the other hand, may have a detrimental effect on IVF success and fertility.
Monounsaturated Fats and IVF:
- Higher Live Birth Rates: Studies show that eating more monounsaturated fats raises the chance of a live birth after in vitro fertilization. One study found that women who ingested the most monounsaturated fat had a 3.45-fold higher chance of having a live birth after embryo transfer compared to those who consumed the least.
- Better Oocyte Quality: Monounsaturated fats don’t seem to have the same detrimental effect as saturated fats, which have been linked to fewer mature eggs (metaphase II oocytes).
- Monounsaturated Fat Sources: Nuts (almonds, macadamia, etc.), seeds, avocados, and olive oil are all excellent providers of monounsaturated fats.
- Mediterranean Diet: Monounsaturated fat-rich diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, have been associated with better reproductive results, such as a higher chance of becoming pregnant following IVF.
Resveratrol
With regard to in vitro fertilization (IVF), resveratrol, a naturally occurring substance present in many plants, has demonstrated both possible advantages and disadvantages. Studies have shown that it may enhance oocyte maturation and embryo development, but there may also be a connection between it and higher chances of miscarriage and decreased pregnancy, especially when used for longer periods of time or at larger dosages.
Lycopene
Lycopene, a strong antioxidant found in tomatoes, has shown considerable benefits in improving the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF) by reducing oxidative stress and fostering embryo development. Studies have shown that adding lycopene to IVF culture may enhance the number of cells in blastocysts, decrease apoptotic markers, and speed up blastocyst formation rates.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3s like DHA and EPA, are believed to have a good effect on fertility and IVF success. They have been demonstrated to reduce inflammation, which could enhance sperm and egg quality as well as reproductive health generally. Numerous studies suggest that increased omega-3 fatty acid levels may be associated with better post-IVF pregnancy rates, but more research is required.
What To Eat Before Embryo Transfer?
Similar to what is advised during pregnancy, a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats is usually advised prior to an embryo transfer. A healthy uterus and general health are supported by eating foods abundant in iron, folate, and omega-3 fatty acids. Limiting or avoiding processed foods, too much sugar, caffeine, and alcohol is also a smart choice.
Here’s a more detailed look at what to eat before embryo transfer:
- Fresh produce should be prioritized, particularly those high in vitamins and minerals.
- Lean Proteins: Consume poultry, fish, and other lean meats.
- Healthy Fats: Nuts, avocados, and olive oil are all excellent options.
- Whole Grains: Choose foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-grain bread.
- Omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods include walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds.
- Foods High in Folate: Good sources of folate include lentils, beans, and leafy greens.
- Iron-Rich Foods: Lean meats, spinach, and beans are good sources of iron.
- Foods High in Electrolytes: Avocados, leafy greens, and coconut water can all support fluid balance and hydration.
- Warm Drinks and Foods: To keep the uterus warm, some medical professionals advise consuming warm beverages and foods. Refrain from consuming unpasteurized milk products.
What To Eat After Embryo Transfer?
To encourage implantation and general health after an embryo transfer, concentrate on eating a balanced diet high in protein, fiber, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids. Good selections include foods like nuts, salmon, beans, yogurt, eggs, and leafy greens. Drinking plenty of water and eating whole grains are also good for you.
- Foods to incorporate: Lean protein can be found in foods like eggs, chicken, fish (particularly salmon for omega-3s), beans, nuts, and seeds.
- Fruits and vegetables: Avocados, berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens like spinach and broccoli are good for you.
- Whole grains: Barley, brown rice, quinoa, and oats are excellent sources of fiber.
- Nuts, seeds, and avocados are excellent sources of healthy fats.
- Fortified cereals, lentils, and dark leafy greens are excellent sources of folic acid.
Antioxidant supplements for men
There is not sufficient evidence that antioxidant supplements are especially helpful following embryo transfer, despite the fact that they are frequently advised for male fertility in general. Nonetheless, some antioxidants, such as those in Menevit, have demonstrated promise in enhancing the quality of sperm and may help couples undergoing IVF by indirectly supporting general reproductive health.
According to a study published by MDPI, Menevit, a multivitamin that contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, has been demonstrated to increase sperm parameters and perhaps improve ART outcomes.
Antioxidant supplements for women
Certain antioxidant supplements, such as CoQ10, NAC, and vitamins C and E, may help ensure a safe pregnancy after embryo transfer by shielding eggs and embryos from oxidative damage and enhancing reproductive health in general. After embryo transfer, it’s imperative to speak with a physician or fertility professional before beginning any new supplement regimen or as an IVF preparation diet.
The possible advantages of antioxidants:
- CoQ10: The health of eggs and embryos depends on mitochondrial function, which is supported by this antioxidant. According to studies, it can enhance the quality of eggs and embryos, particularly in women over 38.
- N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC): A strong antioxidant, NAC can enhance the quality of cervical mucus and shield eggs and embryos from oxidative damage.
- Due to their well-known antioxidant qualities, vitamins C and E may help maintain a healthy uterine lining and enhance embryo implantation.
Mediterranean diet and IVF—does it help?
Yes, research indicates that eating a Mediterranean diet both before and after IVF treatment may increase the likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.
In particular, women undergoing IVF who follow a Mediterranean diet—which is defined by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, and healthy fats—have been linked to greater live birth rates and improved embryo quality.
What is the Mediterranean Diet?
The Mediterranean diet places a strong emphasis on eating a lot of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil; moderate consumption of dairy products, chicken, and fish; and low consumption of processed meals, sweets, and red meat.
How does IVF benefit from a Mediterranean diet?
- Better Embryo Quality: Research indicates that food may have a beneficial effect on egg quality, which in turn may result in the production of more and higher-quality embryos.
- Higher Pregnancy and Live Birth Rates: Studies show that women who follow the Mediterranean diet more closely prior to IVF are more likely to become pregnant and give birth to a live child.
- Potential Benefits for Men: According to some research, male partners undergoing IVF may have higher-quality sperm thanks to a Mediterranean diet.
- Less Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory qualities of the diet might also contribute to the development of a more conducive environment for pregnancy and implantation.
What fruits and vegetables help fertility?
Men’s and women’s fertility can be enhanced by eating fruits and vegetables high in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and antioxidants. Leafy greens, avocados, berries, citrus fruits, and certain veggies like broccoli and asparagus are especially good. Citrus fruits and other foods strong in vitamin C can also raise hormone levels and enhance the quality of sperm.
Fruits and Vegetables for Fertility:
- Leafy Greens: Rich in folate and iron, which are necessary for normal ovulation and the production of red blood cells, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are great foods.
- Citrus Fruits: Packed with vitamin C, oranges, grapefruits, and lemons can increase hormone levels and fertility while also enhancing the quality of sperm.
- Berries: Antioxidants and phytonutrients that reduce inflammation help shield reproductive cells from harm. These include blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
- Avocados: Rich in folate, vitamin E, and good fats, avocados are excellent for reproductive health.
- Asparagus: Rich in several vitamins and minerals that promote fertility, including folate, asparagus is a wonderful food choice.
- Broccoli: Packed with other nutrients that might boost fertility, broccoli is also a great source of folate.
- Lentils: Rich in iron, folate, and other nutrients that may promote fertility, lentils are a great food choice.
- Tomatoes: High in the antioxidant lycopene, tomatoes help enhance the quality of sperm.
- Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and other elements that can help with fertility, bell peppers are a great food choice.
- Other Fruits and Vegetables: To obtain a diverse range of nutrients, think about including a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
What should I avoid eating during IVF?
Generally speaking, during IVF treatment, one should avoid foods and chemicals that can affect the quality of eggs and sperm, embryo implantation, or overall causes of IVF failure.
Meals heavy in mercury, sugar, and saturated and trans fats are among them, as are processed meals, alcohol, and caffeine; unpasteurized dairy products and raw or undercooked meat, seafood, and eggs should also be avoided due to the potential for harmful microorganisms.
In the following, there’s a more detailed breakdown of the substances and IVF foods to avoid:
- Unpasteurized dairy: These should be avoided since they may also contain dangerous microorganisms.
- High-mercury fish (tuna, mackerel, swordfish): High concentrations of mercury in fish, such as swordfish and tuna, might impair embryonic development and perhaps reduce fertility.
- Processed foods and fast food: These frequently include processed sugars, bad fats, and additives that can harm general health and fertility.
- Fried and high-fat foods: These fats, which can be found in whole milk, butter, red meat, and a variety of processed meals, can lower the quality of eggs and raise the risk of heart disease.
- Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners: Consuming too much sugar can cause blood sugar problems, weight gain, and even interfere with IVF.
- Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks): Overconsumption of caffeine, particularly from energy drinks and coffee, might disrupt IVF treatment and possibly impact implantation.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol raises the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth and has a detrimental effect on hormone levels, egg and sperm quality, and more.
- Raw or undercooked eggs and foods: Salmonella is one of the dangerous bacteria that can cause food poisoning and can be found in raw eggs, pork, and seafood.
You can increase your chances of a successful IVF cycle timeline by staying away from certain foods and substances and concentrating on eating a nutritious, balanced diet.
Conclusion
Choosing a proper IVF diet is a carefully planned step toward realizing your goal of becoming a parent, rather than just a healthy habit.
A balanced, Mediterranean-style diet can have a significant impact on implantation and pregnancy rates, as well as the quality of eggs and sperm.
You’re increasing your chances of successful IVF by actively collaborating with your fertility specialists and adhering to the most recent dietary guidelines for 2025. We are here at TebMedTourism to help you at every stage.
FAQs
Why is it important to follow a diet during IVF?
Because an appropriate IVF diet increases the quality of eggs and sperm, stimulates implantation, supports each stage of IVF, and increases overall success rates while reducing the possibility of common IVF failures and things cause IVF not to work.
What should I eat during IVF?
Eat a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Include foods that support hormones and the uterine lining, like broccoli, cauliflower, and pineapple.
What antioxidant supplements help men during IVF?
Supplements like vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc (found in Menevit) may improve sperm quality and support IVF success.
What antioxidant supplements help women during IVF?
CoQ10, NAC, and vitamins C and E may increase egg and embryo quality, reduce oxidative stress, and support implantation—especially for older women.
Mediterranean diet and IVF—does it help?
Yes, it improves embryo quality, increases pregnancy and live birth rates, reduces inflammation, and benefits both men and women during IVF.
What fruits and vegetables help fertility?
Leafy greens, avocados, citrus fruits, berries, broccoli, asparagus, tomatoes, bell peppers, and lentils boost fertility due to their folate, antioxidants, and vitamins.
What should I avoid eating during IVF?
You should avoid alcohol, caffeine, raw/undercooked food, unpasteurized dairy, processed and high-fat foods, high-mercury fish, and excess sugar or artificial sweeteners.
