Dietary Approaches as Adjunct Treatmentsfor Infertility: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Infertility is a growing global public health concern, affecting approximately 17.5% of the population and imposing significant psychological, social, and economic burdens. Conventional treatments, including pharmacological interventions and assisted reproductive technologies, are often costly, invasive, and associated with variable
outcomes. Increasing evidence highlights the role of modifiable lifestyle factors, particularly nutrition, in influencing reproductive health. This narrative review critically examines the potential of dietary approaches as
adjunct therapies in infertility management. Current literature indicates that healthy dietary patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats are associated with improved fertility outcomes, whereas Western dietary patterns may adversely affect reproductive parameters. Key micronutrients such as folate, Vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and antioxidants play essential roles in regulating hormonal balance, reducing oxidative stress, and enhancing gamete quality. Mechanistically, dietary interventions may mitigate infertility
through modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction. However, heterogeneity in study designs and lack of standardized dietary guidelines limit definitive conclusions. This review synthesizes existing evidence on dietary patterns, micronutrients, and functional foods, highlighting their potential as complementary
strategies alongside conventional treatments. It also identifies critical research gaps and emphasizes the need for well-designed clinical studies to establish evidence-based nutritional guidelines for infertility management.