Increased preconception omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake improves embryo morphology

Fertil Steril. 2011 Apr;95(5):1820-3. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2010.11.021. Epub 2010 Dec 3.

Abstract

The association between preconception dietary intake of the polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) omega-6 and omega-3 and the E(2) levels and IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcome were investigated in women in a prospective study. It revealed that high intakes of omega-3 LC-PUFA alpha-linolenic acid increase baseline E(2), high intakes of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid reduce E(2) response and the number of follicles after ovarian stimulation, and total omega-3 intake, in particular alpha-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, improve embryo morphology.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Shape / drug effects
  • Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
  • Dietary Fats / pharmacology
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Eating / physiology
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology*
  • Embryo, Mammalian / drug effects*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / administration & dosage*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Humans
  • Infertility, Female / diet therapy
  • Infertility, Female / therapy
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Preconception Care / methods*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Quality Control

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3