It is now well established that couple fertility issues are steadily increasing.
Reproductive health and nutrition: what should we know?
Reproductive function can be influenced by a wide range of factors, from psychological aspects to those related to metabolic syndrome, overweight, and obesity. Alongside the Mediterranean diet, one of the most common dietary patterns in developed country is the Western Diet, which is increasingly characterized by an excessive intake of hydrogenated fats, saturated fatty acids (SFA), salt and trans fatty acids — all of which can negatively affect female fertility. It follows, therefore, that nutrition is closely linked to reproductive rates.
Fatty acid profile and fertility
A cohort study was conducted on 494 Italian women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and it was observed that a high intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was associated with a lower probability of pregnancy and, consequently, with poorer ART outcomes.
Blood samples were collected, and the fatty acid profile was analyzed. The analyses revealed significant results: high-quality oocytes were found in women with elevated levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and a favorable balance between omega-6 (arachidonic acid) e omega-3 (DHA).
The role of alpha-linolenic acid
A particularly positive aspect concerns the intake of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a precursor of the omega-3 series. When administered during pregnancy, ALA plays a significant role in improving embryo morphology and the synthesis of follicular steroid hormones. Another study showed that a high intake of ALA is associated with higher fertility rates, and that women with elevated omega-6/omega-3 ratios have a greater likelihood of clinical pregnancy and live birth compared to those with lower blood levels of LA/ALA.
Gli studi presentati e i dati di letteratura, quindi, dimostrano che gli acidi grassi sono presumibilmente dei buoni indicatori di fertilità, soprattutto femminile. Sicuramente questo aspetto dovrà essere ulteriormente approfondito in futuro, ma ci sono buoni presupposti da cui partire.