Dietary Misconceptions Easily Overlooked Before IVF Egg Retrieval: 4 Types of Foods That Are Affecting Egg Quality

Why Does Embryo Quality Remain Unsatisfactory Despite Normal Test Results?

For families who are preparing for pregnancy, planning IVF, or considering third-generation IVF in Thailand, one of the most concerning questions is: Why are test results generally normal, yet embryo quality remains unsatisfactory?

In fact, the factors affecting embryo quality are far more complex than commonly assumed. Many people focus on follicle count, hormone levels, and age, while overlooking a critical determinant of egg quality—mitochondrial function.

Mitochondria are known as the "powerhouses" of cells. They not only influence the maturation quality of eggs but also directly affect the developmental potential of fertilized embryos. For families pursuing IVF, third-generation IVF in Thailand, overseas fertility treatment, or cross-border childbirth, nurturing eggs and enhancing mitochondrial function are often essential steps toward improving the rate of high-quality embryos.

Today, Global New Life takes you on an in-depth exploration: Which common foods may silently damage egg mitochondria? And how can you scientifically nurture your eggs during preconception?

Why Do Mitochondria Determine Egg Quality?

Many women preparing for pregnancy have heard of nutritional supplements such as Coenzyme Q10, PQQ, and NMN. The reason these nutrients receive attention is largely because they may help improve mitochondrial function.

Simply put, mitochondria act like a power plant inside the egg. They convert nutrients into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), providing continuous energy for egg maturation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Notably, before implantation, the embryo relies heavily on the energy stored within the egg itself.

Insufficient mitochondrial function may contribute to:

• Reduced egg maturation
• Lower fertilization rates
• Slower embryo development
• Decreased blastocyst formation rates
• Increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos
• Lower implantation rates

This is one key reason why many older women preparing for pregnancy may retrieve a reasonable number of eggs yet still struggle to obtain high-quality embryos.

These 4 Types of Foods May Be Silently Damaging Egg Mitochondria

1. High-Sugar Foods

Bubble tea, cakes, sweets, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates are among the most commonly overconsumed foods by modern women.

When large amounts of sugar enter the body rapidly, blood glucose levels can fluctuate significantly. Meanwhile, cells produce a surge of metabolic byproducts and reactive oxygen species (ROS). These free radicals can continuously attack mitochondrial membrane structures and mitochondrial DNA, leading to mitochondrial damage and reduced energy production efficiency.

For individuals with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), insulin resistance, overweight/obesity, or advanced maternal age, the impact of a high-sugar diet can be even more pronounced. Therefore, during the preconception phase—especially before starting an IVF cycle—it is advisable to limit high-sugar food intake and opt for a low-glycemic index (GI) dietary pattern.

2. Trans Fatty Acid Foods

Trans fatty acids are often called "hidden killers" in a healthy diet. They are commonly found in:

• Fried chicken
• French fries
• Fried snacks
• Puff pastries
• Cream cakes
• Vegetable cream products

Research suggests that trans fatty acids may interfere with mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, reducing cellular energy utilization efficiency. They may also trigger chronic inflammation, further increasing oxidative stress. For families planning to undergo embryo screening via third-generation IVF in Thailand, reducing trans fatty acid intake is an important step in improving the egg environment.

3. Processed Meat Products

Sausages, bacon, ham, and luncheon meats are convenient but often contain significant amounts of nitrites. Nitrites can form nitrosamine-like substances in the body. These compounds may increase oxidative stress and potentially damage mitochondrial DNA. Once mitochondrial DNA is impaired, ATP production efficiency can be directly affected, which may in turn impact egg quality and subsequent embryo development.

Therefore, during preconception, it is recommended to prioritize:

• Fresh poultry
• Deep-sea fish
• Beef
• Eggs and other natural high-quality protein sources

4. Alcoholic Beverages

Many believe that moderate drinking has little effect. However, for women preparing for pregnancy, there is no known "safe dose" of alcohol. Once consumed, alcohol is metabolized into acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct that can disrupt normal cellular metabolism. It also depletes NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a crucial cofactor in mitochondrial energy production. Chronic alcohol consumption may not only reduce egg quality but also increase the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.

For families about to begin an IVF cycle, seek fertility treatment abroad, or plan cross-border childbirth, it is recommended to stop drinking at least 3 months in advance to create a more favorable environment for egg development.

Want to Improve Egg Quality? Focus on These 3 Key Actions

1. Stick to the 211 Diet Structure

The 211 diet principle means: 2 portions of vegetables, 1 portion of high-quality protein, and 1 portion of high-quality carbohydrates. By balancing meals in this way, you can help stabilize blood sugar, improve metabolic status, and provide a consistent and stable nutrient supply for mitochondria.

2. Increase Intake of Natural Antioxidant Foods

The biggest enemy of mitochondria is oxidative stress. Therefore, it is advisable to moderately increase consumption of foods rich in natural antioxidants, such as dark green vegetables, blueberries, avocados, nuts, green tea, and black coffee. These nutrients can help neutralize free radicals and reduce mitochondrial damage.

3. Start Scientific Preconception Management Early

Many women only begin to adjust their bodies when they are about to start an IVF cycle, often missing the optimal window. This is because it takes approximately 90 days for a primordial follicle to be recruited and mature. Therefore, whether preparing for natural conception or planning to realize your fertility goals through IVF or third-generation IVF in Thailand, it is recommended to start systematic preparation at least 3 months in advance.