Why see a dietitian for fertility and how they can help?

When it comes to fertility, nutrition is often one of the last things people consider. Yet research consistently shows that nutritional status, including dietary patterns and micronutrient adequacy, can influence ovulation, egg quality, and early pregnancy outcomes in meaningful ways. Working with a registered dietitian who has undertaken further training in fertility and reproductive health nutrition means support is evidence-based, individualised, and informed by the latest research.

Here are some of the ways a women's health dietitian can support your fertility journey.

The Evidence

What Does the Research Say?

Nutrition is a well-established and modifiable determinant of reproductive health. A comprehensive review found that deficiencies in key nutrients, including folate, vitamin D, and iron, have been associated with impaired ovarian function, disrupted menstrual cyclicity, and increased risk of pregnancy complications.^1,2

Research also highlights that dietary patterns matter. Diets characterised by higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, and antioxidants have been positively associated with female fertility outcomes. Adherence to a Mediterranean-style dietary pattern has been linked to improved reproductive outcomes in multiple studies.^2,3,4

Nutritional status affects both female and male fertility. Semen parameters, including sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, have been shown to be significantly influenced by dietary intake and micronutrient status.^3,4

01

Create a Nutrition Plan Specific to You

There is no one size fits all approach to fertility nutrition. A registered dietitian conducts a thorough assessment to build a plan tailored to your individual needs. This is not a generic supplement list or a standard meal plan. It is a strategy built around your body, your health history, and your goals.

This assessment considers:

• Dietary intake and eating patterns
• Relevant bloodwork and micronutrient levels
• Reproductive and medical history
• Lifestyle, food preferences, and dietary restrictions
• Fertility treatment plans, where applicable

The plan is reviewed and adjusted over time as your health picture evolves. This may be in response to new bloodwork, a change in treatment, or progress toward your goals.

02

Support for Conditions That Affect Fertility

Several clinical conditions impair fertility through distinct physiological mechanisms, each requiring a targeted nutrition approach. A registered dietitian provides evidence-based strategies for these conditions as part of a coordinated plan alongside your medical team.

Conditions commonly supported include:

• PMOS (previously referred to as PCOS): supporting cycle regularity, ovulation, and hormonal health through dietary pattern and targeted nutrition strategies
• Hypothalamic amenorrhoea: addressing energy availability and restoring menstrual function
• Endometriosis: managing inflammation, gut symptoms, and supporting conception whether trying unassisted or preparing for fertility treatment
• Thyroid dysfunction: including subclinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, where key nutrient status such as iodine, selenium, and vitamin D plays a direct role in thyroid hormone production and menstrual cyclicity
• Insulin resistance: improving metabolic markers that influence ovulatory function and hormonal regulation

03

Evidence-Based Supplement Guidance

The fertility supplement market is extensive and frequently inconsistent with the clinical evidence. A registered dietitian is equipped to assess which supplements are genuinely supported by research and appropriate for each individual, and which may be unnecessary, redundant, or contraindicated.

Supplement assessment at Nula Nutrition takes into account:

• Current bloodwork and identified deficiencies
• Dietary intake and existing supplement use
• Medical history and any relevant medications
• Fertility treatment timeline
• Individual health goals

Supplement needs vary considerably between individuals. What is appropriate for one person may be unnecessary or even contraindicated for another. Clinical assessment is always recommended over generalised fertility supplement protocols.³

04

Nutrition Support During IVF and Assisted Reproduction

Nutritional status has been associated with outcomes in assisted reproductive technology, including IVF. Multiple antioxidants and micronutrients have demonstrated a positive association with live birth rates in women undergoing ART cycles.⁴

Nutrition support can be tailored to each phase of treatment, including:

• Optimising egg health prior to egg collection
• Transfer preparation and endometrial support
• The two-week wait and early pregnancy

Recommendations are adjusted based on the individual's clinical picture, treatment protocol, and response.

05

Identifying and Addressing Nutritional Gaps

Suboptimal intakes of key preconception nutrients are prevalent among women of reproductive age and are frequently asymptomatic.^1,2 Many individuals are unaware of insufficiencies in nutrients that have a direct bearing on reproductive health, including:

• Folate: essential for DNA synthesis and neural tube formation
• Vitamin D: supports oocyte quality and uterine receptivity
• Iron: directly involved in ovulatory function
• Vitamin B12: involved in DNA methylation and cell replication; low levels may affect egg maturation and embryo development
• Iodine: required for thyroid hormone production and menstrual cyclicity
• Choline: supports cell membrane function and early fetal brain development; often under-consumed and frequently absent from prenatal supplements
• Omega 3 fatty acids: support hormone synthesis and reduce inflammation
• Zinc: involved in oocyte maturation and ovulation

Dietary review alongside targeted bloodwork allows for identification of these gaps and timely, targeted intervention. Read more about fertility friendly foods here.