For Healthcare Professionals Only

Egg freezing is becoming an increasingly common option for women who want to preserve their fertility, whether due to personal, medical or professional reasons. As healthcare professionals, we have a vital role in supporting patients in the months leading up to their egg freezing cycle – a window where diet, lifestyle and supplementation can positively influence outcomes.

The 3-Month Window of Opportunity

Oocytes (eggs) take approximately 90 days to mature, providing a key opportunity to influence egg quality through nutritional and lifestyle interventions. Research has shown that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet in this preparatory phase may improve oocyte yield and fertility markers.

A study by Karayiannis et al. (2018) found that higher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with a higher number of retrieved and fertilised oocytes in women undergoing IVF. This dietary pattern – rich in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and plant proteins – may improve reproductive outcomes by reducing oxidative stress and improving insulin sensitivity.

Prenatal Supplements for Egg Freezing

In addition to dietary changes, introducing a high-quality prenatal supplement during this 3-month window can play an important supportive role. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, selenium and zinc contribute to the protection of oocytes from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is known to negatively impact both oocyte quality and quantity.

Emerging research also suggests that micronutrient supplementation may support AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) levels, which are often used as a marker of ovarian reserve. 

When recommending supplements, consider formulations that are:

• Comprehensive, addressing fertility-specific needs rather than general health
• Bioavailable, using active nutrient forms
• Backed by clinical evidence, with optimal levels of antioxidant nutrients and amino acids

Proceive® Women and Proceive® Max Women are two examples of targeted formulations developed specifically for reproductive health. Proceive® Max Women, in powder form, delivers enhanced levels of vitamin C and E, key nutrients that contribute to cell protection from oxidative stress.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Egg Freezing Outcomes

Several modifiable lifestyle behaviours are linked to egg quality and ovarian response:

• Daily movement improves insulin sensitivity and hormone regulation 
• Smoking cessation is critical; tobacco is associated with reduced AMH and poor IVF outcomes 
• Limiting alcohol intake is advisable; even moderate alcohol has been linked to reduced fertility outcomes
• Avoiding endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) – including BPA and phthalates – may protect ovarian reserve 
• Managing stress may help with adherence to treatment protocols and overall wellbeing

Supporting Your Patients

As egg freezing becomes more mainstream, healthcare professionals are in a unique position to guide patients in evidence-based preparation. Nutritional optimisation, quality supplementation and positive lifestyle choices in the months before egg retrieval can help improve both the number and quality of eggs collected – giving patients the best possible foundation for future fertility.

References

• Agarwal A, Gupta S, Sharma RK. Role of oxidative stress in female reproduction. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2005 Jul 14;3:28. doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-3-28. PMID: 16018814; PMCID: PMC1215514.
• Broekmans FJ, Kwee J, Hendriks DJ, Mol BW, Lambalk CB. A systematic review of tests predicting ovarian reserve and IVF outcome. Hum Reprod Update. 2006 Nov-Dec;12(6):685-718. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dml034. Epub 2006 Aug 4. PMID: 16891297.
• EFSA NDA Panel, Vitamin E and protection of DNA, proteins and lipids from oxidative damage: evaluation of a health claim pursuant to Article 14 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006
• Freour T, Masson D, Mirallie S, Jean M, Bach K, Dejoie T, Barriere P. Active smoking compromises IVF outcome and affects ovarian reserve. Reprod Biomed Online. 2008 Jan;16(1):96-102. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60561-5. PMID: 18252054.
• Karayiannis D, Kontogianni MD, Mendorou C, Mastrominas M, Yiannakouris N. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and IVF success rate among non-obese women attempting fertility. Hum Reprod. 2018 Mar 1;33(3):494-502. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dey003. PMID: 29390148.
• Mínguez-Alarcón L, Chavarro JE, Gaskins AJ. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and reproductive outcomes among couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatments. Fertil Steril. 2018 Sep;110(4):587-592. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.026. PMID: 30196942; PMCID: PMC11002791.