Pulling Down the Moon

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Embryo Quality

August 15, 2011

To fully comprehend the latest research on omega-3 fatty acids and embryo quality it’s important to understand that the goal of medicated fertility cycles is not simply to make a lot of eggs. In fact mild ovarian stimulation that results in fewer follicles seems to provide the best results. This approach allows only the healthiest follicles and oocytes to develop. Since developing follicles produce estrogen, fewer developing follicles also mean lower estrogen levels during the cycle. This is also potentially beneficial as higher estrogen levels may negatively impact uterine receptivity and deter embryo implantation.


New research suggests that a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids ALA, DHA and EPA may support this objective (1). In 225 women undergoing IVF diet data was collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Intake of the omega-3 fatty acids ALA,EPA and DHA were calculated, as well as omega-6 (LA) intake and the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the diet.


In this study, the women with the highest dietary intake of omega-3′s had lower estrogen response, developed fewer follicles and had better quality embryos, even after controlling for confounders like age and BMI. A higher omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was associated with higher numbers of follicles. If the goal of fertility treatment is to help women produce fewer, higher-quality eggs, this research suggests that women undergoing ART should strive to increase consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and decrease the amount of omega-6 they consume.


As a result of these findings, the research team recommends that twice-weekly fish intake should be encouraged in women during fertility treatment. While generally useful, this recommendation does not take into consideration the risk of toxicity from fish consumption – especially in the perinatal period. In fact, the fish richest in omega-3 fatty acids are the ones most likely to contain mercury and other contaminants. For this reason, our recommendation at Pulling Down the Moon is that women work to lower their intake of omega-6 fats (found in snack and fast foods, factory/grain-fed red meat and processed oils), increase their intake of leafy greens, nuts and seeds and supplement their diet with a high quality, purity tested fish oil supplement.


Supplements are only a small part of fertility nutrition, however. For more information about fish oil, diet and egg/embryo quality, schedule a consultation with one of our nutrition specialists. 


1. Hammiche et al. Fertility and Sterility. Vol. 95, No. 5, April 2011 1820-23

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Tips for Spring Restoration

February 18, 2025
Spring arrives next month, and with it, more cold days (perhaps even snow)! But March also brings the promise of new life. We love this time of year. The ground starts to smell fresh and ripe. Small green buds begin to swell from the earth reaching up, up, up. Birds chatter in the trees. The sun stays in the sky a little longer each day. After a long, cold winter of hibernation, spring restores nature’s beauty. Spring inspires us to restore ourselves, too and these self-care techniques will lead you to restoration of mind, body and spirit. Hydrate. Drink a glass or two of water first thing in the morning. Keeping yourself hydrated helps boost your mood, improves brain power and protects you against disease. Make a gratitude list. Spending just a few minutes a day writing down what you are grateful for can dramatically shift your day. The more gratitude you have, the more open to abundance you become. Breathe. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice breathing. There are so many benefits! Among them, diaphragmatic breathing alleviates stress, reduces pain, strengthens internal muscles and moves blood to organs and tissues. If you’re not sure how to get started, try our Breathe & Restore Workshop or schedule an Soothe the Senses: Calm the Nervous System Fertility Enhancing Massage™ to receive some hands-on breath work coaching. Stretch. Five to 10 minutes of stretching in the morning increases energy levels, enhances circulation, reduces injury and centers your mind. Even better is a regular yoga practice. Get started by downloading the Fully Fertile App today to give you a jump start! Our next Signature Yoga for Fertility Series begins on Monday, February 24th to reduce anxiety and stress by 20% or more in just six weeks. Eliminate something from your diet that isn’t serving you. I nstead of overhauling your entire diet, start by taking out one food that doesn’t nourish your body. Replace it with a different item that supports your desire for restoration. Learn even more by working with scheduling a nutrition consult ! We look forward to seeing you virtually or in-person at one of our centers to help you get started. Many wishes for a beautiful spring!
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