Diet and Food Guidance for Infertility

No single food guarantees pregnancy, but a healthy, balanced diet supports hormone balance, egg and sperm health and a healthy weight.

For both partners

• Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, pulses, nuts and seeds.
• Include healthy fats from nuts, seeds, fish and vegetable oils.
• Choose protein from dal, eggs, fish, curd or lean meat.
• Limit refined sugar, highly processed foods and deep-fried snacks.
• Keep a healthy weight, since both extremes can affect fertility.

For women

• Folic acid (usually 400 micrograms a day) before and in early pregnancy, as advised
• Iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D and iodine from food, and supplements only if your doctor advises
• Limit caffeine, usually to around 200 mg a day, which is about 1 to 2 cups of coffee
• Avoid alcohol while trying to conceive

For men

• Foods with zinc, selenium and antioxidants, such as nuts, seeds, eggs and leafy greens
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking

Be careful with

• High-dose vitamins and herbal fertility supplements, which can be harmful or interact with medicines
• Fish high in mercury during pregnancy planning