ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Nutr.
Sec. Nutritional Epidemiology
Association between Diet Intake and Trace Elements Concentrations in Couples Undergoing in vitro fertilization: A Couple-Based Exploration
Provisionally accepted
- 1Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- 2The 901st Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Hefei, China
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Objective: This study aimed to provide guidance for couples in dietary adjustments to optimize trace element concentrations for improved fertility and to offer a reference for formulating precise reproductive health policies. Design: In this prospective cohort study, we analyzed 1,066 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) from 2020 to 2023. Dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire, and 21 trace elements were measured. Multiple linear regression and factor analysis were used to evaluate associations. Setting: Hefei City, Anhui Province, China Participants: A total of 1,066 couples undergoing IVF treatment. Results: In this study, we found significant associations between dietary intake and trace element concentrations in couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results showed that red meat consumption was inversely associated with Thallium (Tl) but positively correlated with Tin (Sn) and Cerium (Ce). Moderate intake of animal offal and processed meats showed significant associations with Aluminum (Al). Moderate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was inversely linked to Tl levels. Furthermore, the moderate consumption of pickled and fried foods, as well as coffee, exhibited positive correlations with the trace elements Al and Manganese (Mn). Notably, as tea consumption increased, levels of Cobalt (Co), Gallium (Ga), and Strontium (Sr) also exhibited a significant rise. Even after False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction, the positive associations between Al levels and the moderate consumption of animal offal, pickled/fried foods, and coffee remained robust. Additionally, whole grain intake demonstrated a significant positive association with Sn, while tea consumption remained positively correlated with Rubidium (Rb). Conclusion Our study emphasizes the significant impact of dietary intake on trace metal exposure in infertile couples. These insights can guide future research and help couples optimize trace elements through dietary modifications.
Keywords: dietary, factor analysis, IVF, Reproductive Health, Trace Elements
Received: 11 Oct 2025; Accepted: 27 Jan 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 Wu, Wang, Su, Gao, Sun, Tang, Ju, Liu, Ni and Jiang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Feng Ni
Hong Jiang
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