Summary:
Infertility affects millions of couples globally and is a growing public health issue. While assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilisation are widely used, their success is influenced by modifiable factors, including diet and environmental exposures. Trace elements are increasingly recognised as important in reproductive health, although their exact roles are not fully understood. Trace elements such as zinc, selenium, and manganese are essential for processes like hormone regulation and DNA synthesis, while toxic metals like lead and cadmium are associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. Diet is a key source of these elements, however, most research has focused on individual exposure to a limited number of metals, rather than examining broader dietary patterns or the combined influence. This study is a prospective cohort study that examined 1,066 couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation, assessing dietary intake and 21 trace elements. The results showed that diet was significantly associated with trace element levels. For example, processed and fried foods, organ meats, coffee, and tea were linked to higher concentrations of certain metals, including aluminium and manganese, while some foods were associated with lower levels of others. The studies overall findings indicated that dietary patterns play an important role in trace element exposure among couples undergoing fertility treatment, and that dietary modification may help optimise reproductive health outcomes.
Abstract:
Objective: This study aimed to provide guidance for couples in dietary adjustments to optimize trace element concentrations for improved fertility and to offer a reference for formulating precise reproductive health policies.Design: In this prospective cohort study, we analyzed 1,066 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) from 2020 to 2023. Dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire, and 21 trace elements were measured. Multiple linear regression and factor analysis were used to evaluate associations.Setting: Hefei City, Anhui Province, China.Participants: A total of 1,066 couples undergoing IVF treatment.Results: In this study, we found significant associations between dietary intake and trace element concentrations in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results showed that red meat consumption was inversely associated with Thallium (Tl) but positively correlated with Tin (Sn) and Cerium (Ce). Moderate intake of animal offal and processed meats showed significant associations with Aluminum (Al). Moderate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was inversely linked to Tl levels. Furthermore, the moderate consumption of pickled and fried foods, as well as coffee, exhibited positive correlations with the trace elements Al and Manganese (Mn). Notably, as tea consumption increased, levels of Cobalt (Co), Gallium (Ga), and Strontium (Sr) also exhibited a significant rise. Even after False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction, the positive associations between Al levels and the moderate consumption of animal offal, pickled/fried foods, and coffee remained robust. Additionally, whole grain intake demonstrated a significant positive association with Sn, while tea consumption remained positively correlated with Rubidium (Rb).Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the significant impact of dietary intake on trace metal exposure in infertile couples. These insights can guide future research and help couples optimize trace elements through dietary modifications.
Article Publication Date: 12/02/2026
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2026.1722802
