Dados do Trabalho

Title

FOOD AND OPTIMIZING FERTILITY: HOW NUTRITIONAL CHOICES CAN ENHANCE THE JOURNEY TO CONCEPTION

Objective

This study aims to conduct an integrative literature review investigating the influence of nutrition on fertility and assisted reproduction, emphasizing the significance of nutritional modulation.

Methods

An integrative review was performed using the PubMed and Scielo databases. The selected descriptors were infertility, assisted reproduction, nutrition, and plant-based food. Initially, 234 articles were found, and after applying the eligibility criteria, 47 articles were chosen for analysis.

Results

Adequate modulation of nutrition plays a pivotal role in fertility, with a particular focus on body weight adjustment and the reduction of inflammatory processes and their markers. A diet rich in specific nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids, can improve sperm and egg quality, thereby increasing the chances of conception. In this study, we observed that 31.8% of the analyzed articles highlighted the fundamental role of vitamin B12 in improving fertilization and fertility, as it is responsible for transporting folic acid (B9) into the cells, requiring joint supplementation of vitamins. This combination becomes essential for successful DNA synthesis, cell replication, and healthy embryonic development. Another relevant aspect is the modulation of homocysteine, observed in 10.6% of the analyzed studies. Elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with damage to the endothelium, affecting microcirculation, and increasing the risk of pre-eclampsia. Studies indicate that supplementing vitamins B12 and B9, along with other nutrients, can lower homocysteine levels, improving vascular health and fertility. The modulation of inflammatory factors through the intestinal microbiota has also been studied. Components such as LPS (lipopolysaccharides), Toll-like receptors, and TNF-alpha can trigger inflammatory and immunological responses, such as a TH1 response, impairing implantation. Promoting a healthy, balanced microbiota through a diet low in saturated fat, a good supply of fiber-rich carbohydrates, and supplementation with probiotics, when necessary, can modulate inflammation, thus improving reproductive health. In this study, we were able to observe the importance of the microbiota in 12.8% of the analyzed articles. Insulin regulation also plays a significant role in fertility. Insulin resistance can interfere with ovulation and egg quality, affecting fertilization, as observed in 12.8% of the reviewed articles. Decreasing the consumption of foods rich in saturated fat, ensuring an adequate intake of macronutrients, and engaging in regular physical exercise can improve insulin sensitivity, promoting optimized reproductive function. Mitochondrial biogenesis, the process of forming new mitochondria, is also associated with fertility. In this sense, it was observed that nutritional modulation, tailored to individualized needs for macronutrients, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (8.5% of articles), antioxidants (19.1% of articles), CoQ10 (4.2% of articles), and B vitamins (19.1% of articles), can improve mitochondrial function, thereby promoting better quality of eggs and embryos.

Conclusion

Nutritional modulation plays a crucial role in fertility. Adequate vitamin B12 and B9 supplementation, homocysteine modulation, reduction of inflammation, and improvement of insulin sensitivity are important strategies to enhance both female and male fertility. These nutritional interventions can create a favorable environment for embryonic implantation, improving success rates, and increasing the chances of clinical pregnancy.

Keywords

Infertility; Assisted Reproduction; Nutrition and Diet; Male and Female Fertility; Impact of Food on Fertility