The relationship between dietary inflammatory index, visceral adiposity, blood biochemical parameters, and quality of life in adult women undergoing infertility treatment

Background and Aim: Infertility is a significant public health issue that affects individuals' physical, psychological, and social well-being in a multidimensional manner. Recent studies have shown that dietary patterns, inflammatory status, body composition, and biochemical parameters in the blood may play a decisive role in fertility. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between dietary inflammatory index, visceral adiposity index, blood biochemical parameters, and quality of life in adult women diagnosed with infertility. Material and Methods: This study was conducted with 103 infertile women aged between 18 and 45 years who were undergoing assisted reproductive treatment. Participants' sociodemographic information, anthropometric measurements, three-day dietary records, laboratory data, and quality of life scores for individuals experiencing fertility problems were assessed. The dietary inflammatory index was calculated based on the three-day dietary records and reference values defined in the literature. The visceral adiposity index was determined using waist circumference, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The quality of life scale for individuals with fertility problems was scored, and all data were analyzed statistically. Results: The mean age of the participants was 31.81±5.26 years, and the mean body mass index was 25.65±4.63 kg/m². The mean dietary inflammatory index score was -0.32±0.85, with 12.6% of participants classified in the pro-inflammatory diet group. The mean visceral adiposity index was 4.13±3.46, indicating a notable level of visceral fat accumulation. High low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was found in 32% of participants, elevated C-reactive protein in 31.1%, and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 37.9%. According to anti-Müllerian hormone levels, 25.2% of participants had low values. The mean quality of life score was 64.6±12.3. There was no statistically significant difference between pregnancy outcome and visceral adiposity index, dietary inflammatory index, total quality of life score, or its subscales (p>0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that pro-inflammatory dietary patterns, visceral adiposity, and metabolic imbalances may play a determining role in the infertility process. Nutritional approaches that reduce inflammation, address micronutrient deficiencies, and are supported by lifestyle modifications through multidisciplinary interventions may improve treatment success in infertility. Further advanced and long-term studies are needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.