Emerging Trends in Research on Food Compounds and Women’s Fertility: A Systematic Review

• Main Authors: Aleksandra Bykowska-Derda, Ezgi Kolay, Malgorzata Kaluzna, Magdalena Czlapka-Matyasik
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-06-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: female infertility; nutrient; vitamin D; folates; soy; antioxidants
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/13/4518

Pro-healthy behaviours, including the diet, are significant factors in maintaining women’s fertility health. However, to improve the patient’s nutrition management, it is important to seek food-derived bioactive compounds to support fertility treatment. This review analysed recent studies of food compounds related to fertility, using databases including PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct as well as PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews) to ensure complete and transparent reporting of systematic reviews. This review lists foods associated with a higher birth rate, using original papers from the last five years (2015). The analysis included the impact of food compounds such as caffeine, fatty acids, folates and vitamin D, as well as the intake of fish, whole grains, dairy and soya. In addition, dietary patterns and total diet composition supporting women’s fertility were also analysed. The results will encourage further research on the relationship between food components and fertility.