Nutrition cannot guarantee IVF success, but it plays an important role in supporting your overall health during treatment.
Rather than following restrictive diets, focus on nourishing your body consistently.
Prioritise Protein
Aim for approximately 1.2–1.5 g of protein per kilogram of body weight each day (unless advised differently by your healthcare professional).
Good sources include:
- Eggs
- Fish
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Lean meat
- Greek yoghurt
- Cottage cheese
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Lentils
- Beans
- Edamame
- Nuts and seeds
Including protein with each meal helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and supports tissue repair.
Eat Plenty of Colour
Aim for at least five portions of vegetables and fruit daily. Different colours provide different antioxidants that support overall health.
Choose Slow-Release Carbohydrates
Examples include:
- Oats
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Sweet potatoes
- Wholegrain bread
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
These help keep energy levels stable.
Include Fibre
Fibre is important to feed friendly bacteria and to regulate bowel movements, ensuring optimum body detox of harmful oestrogen byproducts.
Examples include:
- Oats
- Wholegrain bread, rice and pasta
- Lentils
- Beans
- Berries
- Apples (with skin)
- Broccoli
- Leafy greens
- Sweet potatoes (with skin)
- Nuts & Seeds
Include Healthy Fats
Healthy fats support hormone production.
Choose:
- Olive oil
- Avocados
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chia seeds – make sure they are soaked
- Oily fish (following NHS guidance on recommended intake)
- Stay Hydrated
Aim for around 2 litres of fluid daily unless advised otherwise. Water is always the best choice.
Gentle Movement
Exercise should support—not exhaust—you.
Good options include:
- Walking
- Gentle yoga
- Swimming
- Pilates (if appropriate)
- Stretching
Follow your fertility clinic’s advice after egg collection and embryo transfer.
Reduce Alcohol and Stop Smoking
Alcohol, vaping and smoking may negatively affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes. If you need support, speak with your fertility team or GP.
Be Kind to Yourself
There is no perfect fertility diet. One meal will not determine your outcome.
Focus on consistency, nourishment and realistic habits rather than perfection.
Helpful Resources
- NHS Healthy Eating – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well
- British Dietetic Association – https://www.bda.uk.com
- Fertility Network UK – https://fertilitynetworkuk.org
Remember that your IVF journey is about more than test results and medications. Looking after your nutrition, movement, sleep and emotional wellbeing can help you feel stronger, more resilient and better supported throughout treatment. Let me help you improve your digestion and bowels. Book Now.