top of page
Search
Writer's pictureDahlia Abou El Hassan

3 key nutrients to help support embryo implantation with IVF

Posted on August 1st, 2021. Author: Fayrouz Elkhouly, BAsc.

Reviewed & Edited by Dahlia Abou El Hassan, MScFN, RD

A healthy and balanced diet is crucial for any woman undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Women may need IVF for several reasons such as blocked or missing fallopian tubes, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, uterine fibroids, previous tubal removal or couples in which the male has a very low or absent sperm count. It has been proven in several studies that the nutrients you consume can play an important role in fertility and success of an IVF cycle.


Undoubtedly, there are key nutrients that women should focus on when undergoing IVF.


Here are the top 3 key nutrients, that you should make sure are part of your diet, that are important for implantation support:


1. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for overall health and has many different functions in our

body, such as aiding calcium absorption which is needed for bone health and regulating

the immune system. It is also specifically beneficial for IVF success as it plays a role in

higher implantation rates. In several research studies, vitamin D has been found to achieve clinical pregnancy following IVF and implantation success.


As you might know, Vitamin D can be obtained from sun exposure. However, that can be

hard for some of us, especially considering the climate in Canada. Although, saying that,

summer is here, and you should make use of the sun while it lasts! Besides sun exposure, fortunately, vitamin D can be found in many dietary sources that include:

  • Oily fish – salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel

  • Red meat

  • ï‚·Egg yolks

  • Fortified foods such as breakfast cereals

  • ï‚·Mushrooms

  • ï‚·Fortified plant milks: Almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

The second key nutrient you should consider including in your diet would be omega-3 fatty

acids. Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in reducing inflammation, supporting heart

health and regulating blood clotting. Inflammation can damage embryos and prevent successful

implantation. Omega-3s have been associated with improved chances of embryo implantation

and decreased premature labor. Dietary sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include:

  • Nuts especially walnuts

  • ï‚·Seeds such as flax seeds, chia seeds and pumpkin seeds

  • ï‚·Avocadoes

  • ï‚·Plant oils

  • ï‚·Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines.

  • ï‚·Cauliflower

  • ï‚·Spinach

  • ï‚·Edamame

3. Magnesium

Magnesium is another nutrient that helps reduce inflammation in our body. Once again,

implantation rates are improved when there is less inflammation present. In addition, magnesium

helps support fertility hormones which increases the chances of IVF success.

Consider adding these Magnesium-rich foods in your diet:

  • Pumpkin seeds and chia seeds

  • Almonds, Peanuts and Cashews

  • Spinach

  • Soymilk

  • Black beans

  • Edamame

  • Avocadoes

  • Dark chocolate

These are the key nutrients to consider in your fertility diet. Speak with one of our fertility

dietitians for customized nutrition recommendations. Click here to book.


Check out some of our recipes such as the energy bites that contain two of the key nutrients,

Omega-3 fatty acids and Magnesium. Also give our recipe, honey paprika salmon with lime sour

cream a try for a great source of Vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids. You could also visit our Instagram @Dahlia_fertility_nutrition to find out about additional key nutrients for IVF and their dietary sources.


NOTE: This blog is for general information purposes only and does not replace individualized advice provided to you by your specific healthcare professional such as Dietitian or Physician.

434 views0 comments

Comentarios


bottom of page