Nabeha Rida, K. Reshma Reddy
Nutrition is increasingly recognized as a critical, modifiable determinant of reproductive health in both men and women. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and overall diet quality influence fertility potential in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, and pregnancy success. This review synthesizes recent evidence from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and mechanistic studies published between 2021 and 2026 to evaluate the impact of nutrition on reproductive outcomes across both men and women. Consistent findings indicate that adherence to healthy dietary patterns particularly Mediterranean and plant-rich diets characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seafood, and unsaturated fats is associated with improved semen quality, hormonal balance, oocyte competence, reduced oxidative stress, and enhanced clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Conversely, diets high in ultra-processed foods, trans fats, refined carbohydrates, and red or processed meats are linked to impaired reproductive function, increased inflammation, and poorer fertility outcomes. Emerging evidence also highlights the role of targeted micronutrients and nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q10, in improving gamete quality and ART success, although heterogeneity across studies underscores the need for further well-designed trials. Importantly, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) offer new opportunities to integrate nutritional data with clinical, metabolic, and reproductive parameters, enabling personalized dietary recommendations and predictive modelling of fertility outcomes. The integration of AI-driven analytics with evidence-based nutritional strategies holds promise for optimizing preconception care, enhancing ART decision making, and advancing precision fertility medicine.