Examining the associations between fertility diet adherence, Mediterranean diet adherence and embryo quality in women receiving

Infertility is a significant health issue affecting millions of individuals worldwide, and modifiable factors such as lifestyle and nutrition are reported to influence treatment success. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and fertility diet and embryo quality in women undergoing infertility treatment. The study was conducted between November 2024 and January 2025 with 85 women who presented to an infertility center in Ankara for infertility treatment. They had a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5-35.0 kg/m2, regularly used physician-recommended nutritional supplements, and were undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. A researcher-designed questionnaire was completed using a face-to-face interview. The questionnaire included questions regarding the individuals' sociodemographic characteristics, infertility history, and dietary habits. Information regarding the individuals' infertility treatments was obtained from patient files. The Mediterranean diet adherence scale (MEDAS) was administered to the individuals, and food consumption records were recorded using a 24-hour recall method. The fertility diet score (DDP) was calculated based on food consumption records and nutritional supplements used. The mean age of the individuals participating in this study was 33.44±5.62 years, and the mean total MEDAS score was 7.19±2.07. It was found that 27.4% of the individuals had Grade I embryo quality, 41.7% had Grade II embryo quality, and 31% had Grade III/IV embryo quality. It was found that as the MEDAS score increased, embryo quality increased (H=13.317; p<0.01). The mean DDP score of the individuals was 16.78±3.15. No statistically significant relationship was found between the fertility diet score and the number of embryos (p>0.05). A statistically significant, negative, weak difference (s=-0.320; p<0.01) was found between the age of the individuals and the number of embryos. Statistically significant relationship was observed between embryo quality and intake of micronutrients as thiamine, niacin, and iron (p<0.05). The study supports that preconception Mediterranean diet adherence may improve embryo quality, underscoring the need for related nutritional education.