Female infertility is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Recent studies have highlighted the critical role of the gut microbiome in influencing various biological processes linked to fertility, including systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. Dysbiosis, or the imbalance of the gut microbiota, has been implicated in these disruptions, suggesting its potential contribution to infertility.
One key mechanism through which the gut microbiome impacts fertility is the gut-brain axis—a bidirectional communication system connecting the gut and the brain. This system plays a crucial role in regulating reproductive functions, and emerging evidence indicates that the gut microbiome can also influence brain functions and behavior, further emphasizing its importance in reproductive health.
Diet is a significant modulator of the gut microbiome, and recent research suggests that dietary patterns and nutrient intake can play a pivotal role in the development and management of female infertility. This review focuses on how specific dietary patterns, including the Western diet (WD) and the Mediterranean diet (MD), influence the microbiota-gut-brain axis in women with infertility.
The Western diet, characterized by high intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats, has been shown to negatively affect the gut microbiome, contributing to metabolic dysfunction and inflammation, both of which are known to impair fertility. Conversely, the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins, has demonstrated a more favorable impact on the microbiome, offering potential therapeutic benefits for women struggling with infertility.
By comparing the negative effects of the Western diet with the positive influence of the Mediterranean diet, this review underscores the importance of balanced, nutrient-rich dietary patterns in supporting a healthy gut microbiome. These findings highlight the potential for dietary interventions and lifestyle changes to improve reproductive health, offering promising strategies for enhancing fertility in women facing subfertility.
In conclusion, understanding the relationship between diet, the gut microbiome, and reproductive health provides valuable insights into the management of female infertility. Targeted dietary and lifestyle modifications may offer effective strategies for optimizing fertility and improving reproductive outcomes in women.
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