Foods and substances to limit

Trans fats: Each 2% of energy from trans fat (replacing carbs) raised ovulatory infertility risk 73%. Check labels; partially hydrogenated oils are the main source.

Alcohol: Below 14 drinks/week, no measurable fertility effect in a 6,120-woman study. Above that, fecundability dropped to 0.82. A meta-analysis (n=98,657) shows clear dose-response — less is better, but moderate social drinking isn’t the crisis some sources claim.

Caffeine: Reassuringly, a biomarker-based study found little association at low-moderate intake. The data doesn’t support panic at 1–2 cups/day.

BPA: Detected in 97% of fertility clinic samples, negatively associated with AMH and follicle count. Minimize plastic food containers, especially heated.

Pesticide residues: High-pesticide produce was linked to 18% lower pregnancy and 26% lower live birth in ART. Consider organic for the “Dirty Dozen” if undergoing treatment. For natural conception, the same study found no effect.