Confused by fertility diets, supplements, and “must-do” advice you see online? Let’s separate myths from evidence — together.
Guest Speakers:
Angela Heap, Fertility Nutritionist with over 17 years of clinical experience and a member of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners
Hosted by: Jessica Bourke –Founder of The Fertility Detective. With 20+ years of clinical experience supporting people through fertility struggles and pregnancy loss.
In this webinar, Angela Heap breaks down the most common myths around fertility nutrition and supplements, helping you understand what truly supports egg quality, sperm health, and IVF outcomes—and what may simply be marketing or misinformation.
This session provides clear, practical guidance for anyone preparing for IVF, trying to improve fertility naturally, or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice online.
Diet and nutrition for fertility are highly individual and often influenced by cultural background. While the Mediterranean diet is often promoted as ideal, it may not suit everyone. It is important to consider foods that align with your body and heritage.
Key principles include ensuring adequate protein intake, ideally around one gram per kilogram of body weight, and consuming a wide variety of phytonutrients through colourful vegetables. Carbohydrates are also important, and restrictive diets such as carnivore or extreme low-carb approaches are not generally recommended.
Seasonal eating and whole foods are important, and keeping a food diary can help identify nutrient gaps. The focus should be on nutrients rather than calories.
Timing and eating patterns are very important and should be tailored to the individual. For example, long fasting windows may increase cortisol levels in stressed individuals, which can negatively impact fertility.
It is important to assess hunger patterns, cravings, and energy levels throughout the day. Some people do better with three meals a day, while others may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. The key is to understand individual responses and ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Supplements can be helpful, but should not be the starting point. They are meant to fill nutritional gaps, not replace a healthy diet.
The best approach is to assess nutrient levels through testing, such as vitamin D, iron, and B12. Deficiencies can impact hormone function, ovulation, and implantation. Supplements should be tailored to individual needs rather than taken generically.
It is also important to be cautious about supplement quality and avoid purchasing from unreliable sources, as some products may be ineffective or counterfeit.
AI provides generic recommendations based on available data and may be influenced by commercial interests. It does not account for individual health status, nutrient deficiencies, or underlying causes.
A personalised approach with a qualified practitioner is far more effective, as it considers blood results, symptoms, and patterns in the body.
Yes, good fats and adequate protein are fundamental for fertility, as they are the building blocks of sex hormones. Foods such as eggs, avocado, and quality animal or plant proteins are important.
However, quality matters. Where possible, choose ethically sourced and minimally processed foods. Combining these with a variety of vegetables and fibre provides a strong nutritional foundation.
Alcohol is not beneficial for the body, but an occasional glass is unlikely to have a significant impact. Regular consumption is more relevant than occasional intake.
Bread depends on quality and individual tolerance. Highly processed bread with additives may be problematic, whereas traditional or sourdough bread is generally better tolerated. If there is gluten intolerance or sensitivity, it should be addressed individually.
There is research supporting individual nutrients and their role in the body, but large-scale trials on specific supplement formulas are limited due to funding challenges.
Much of the evidence comes from smaller studies, meta-analyses, and clinical experience. It is important to distinguish between research on nutrients themselves and research on specific commercial products.
No. Taking supplements without understanding individual needs may not be effective. The underlying causes of poor egg quality must be addressed, such as nutrient deficiencies, digestion issues, or medical protocols.
Preparation should ideally begin at least 90 days before treatment, as egg development takes time. Supplements are only one part of a broader strategy that includes diet, lifestyle, and medical considerations.
DNA fragmentation is often influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors such as heat exposure, toxins, alcohol, and prolonged sitting.
Addressing these root causes is essential. While antioxidants may help, it is important to identify contributing factors such as varicocele, infections, or lifestyle habits. A comprehensive approach is more effective than relying solely on supplements.
