We sat down with Ro Huntriss - the UK’s leading fertility dietitian to understand what we need to do, to improve fertility over 40. Ro has a Bachelor’s degree in Food Studies and Nutrition, a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics and two Master’s degrees in both Advanced Nutrition and Clinical Research. Ro is also a founding member and Vice Chair of the Maternal and Nutrition Specialist Group of the British Dietetic Association and is passionate about sharing evidence-based information to support women and men on their journey to conception and beyond. Ro published her first book on the topic, Deliciously Healthy Fertility, in March 2023.
If you are you a women in your late 30s or early 40s and you are wondering ‘how do I improve chances of conception?’ then knowing how food can support fertility over 40 can help you on your journey towards conception.
Fertility and ovarian reserve
Women are born with a fixed amount of eggs. As we age, fertility naturally declines as the quantity of eggs declines. It used to be thought that 35 was the age at which fertility significantly declines. We now know that the average female reproductive lifespan is actually 37.1 years. This means that conceiving after the age of 35 is still very possible for many people.
As we age our egg quality also naturally declines. Although true, this doesn’t mean however that it is impossible to conceive in your late 30s or early 40s. It just means you may need a little bit more help or that to may take a little longer.
For example, after the age of 40, 4 out of every 10 women will conceive within one year. This is compared with 7 out of 10 women aged 30.
Foods for fertility over 40
Trying to conceive later in life is relatively common in recent years. This could be due to focuses such as career and being financially stable. If this is your situation we are here to help. You can make diet, lifestyle and food choices to improve chances of conception. There are foods that support fertility if you are over 40 or in your late 30s.
Improve egg quality and ovarian reserve
When trying to conceive at an older age it is likely you have a lower ovarian reserve. Having more eggs doesn’t necessarily guarantee a successful fertilisation and conception. The quality of the eggs we have is also important and is arguably more important.
Fertilisation is more likely to happen when we have a high quality egg. This is true whether you are going through IVF or conceiving naturally. High quality eggs are more likely to develop into an embryo, implant in the uterus and result in a pregnancy. While we are unable to repair any damaged eggs that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything we can do. Your diet and the foods you choose in the 3 months prior to conception can protect healthy eggs. This promotes egg quality improving your chances of conception.
Oxidative stress influences egg quality. As we age oxidative damage in our cells accumulates, leading to increased reactive oxygen species in the immature eggs. A low intake of antioxidants plus a high level of oxidative stress is associated with infertility.
Fertility supporting foods
The following foods can help support your egg quality, ovarian reserve and fertility over 40.
Dark green leafy vegetables – bursting with folate
Folate is the natural version of vitamin B9. It is an antioxidant which is important for promoting egg quality, egg maturation and embryo implantation. Eating higher amounts of folate through food and supplements is related to a higher ovarian reserve. This supports fertility outcomes at an older age.
These are the perfect food for fertility over 40 as it supports egg quality and ovarian reserve.
Salmon – the best source of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This allows them to improve egg quality in older females, prolonging the female reproductive lifespan. They may also have a beneficial effect on ovarian reserve which is a win win.
Consume 5+ portions of fruit and vegetables per day – rich in antioxidants
Fruit and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants. Incorporate a variety of different colours and eat at least 5 portions per day to reap their benefits. The contain vitamins C and E which can help protect eggs from free radicals and improve quality. This may compensate for some of the decline in aging eggs. People who lose ovarian function before the age of 40 often have higher levels of damage by oxidative stress.
Selenium is another antioxidant which supports a healthy environment for egg production. This is key when we have a lower ovarian reserve.
Check out our blogs for more details on how to improve egg quality and foods to increase AMH levels (a marker of ovarian reserve)
Supplements for fertility over 40
There are some supplements that can compliment the food for fertility over 40. Making the right supplement choices can support your outcomes. Just remember supplements are not a replacement for a fertility supporting diet.
Coenzyme Q10
A decrease in coenzyme Q10 levels correlates with the age related decline in fertility. It is an antioxidant and taking a 200mg supplement supports egg quality in women over 35 years of age. Coenzyme Q10 can be bought in two forms, ubiquinol is the activated form which is considered more effective than ubiquinone.
Prenatal supplement
Take a prenatal that contains a range of antioxidants plus 400mcg of folic acid/folate to help support our ovarian reserve. This supports your nutrient intake alongside the foods for fertility over 40.
In Summary
Considering the above elements can help you to optimise your diet for fertility. It can improve your chances of conception naturally or if undergoing fertility treatment. My guide to improving egg quality can help you to incorporate the above recommendations and more for supporting egg quality and ovarian reserve. It comes with a 2 week fertility meal plan.
This article was provided by Fertility Dietitian Ro Huntriss. If you’re determined to take control of your diet and nutrition for the very best chance of fertility success, you can find out more information about Ro's services on here website here or follow her on Instagram here.
