The effects of Intermittent Fasting on fertility

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that involves regular periods of fasting interspersed with periods of normal food consumption. This practice has gained popularity in recent years as a means of improving metabolic health, reducing inflammation, and promoting weight loss. However, the effects of IF on fertility in both men and women have not been well studied.

Intermittent Fasting and Female Fertility

Intermittent fasting has been shown to have potential benefits for female fertility. A study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that women who practiced IF had improved insulin sensitivity, which can increase the likelihood of ovulation and improve fertility. Another study published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that women who fasted for 16 hours per day had improved menstrual cycle regularity and increased levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone that is important for ovulation.

However, some studies have also shown potential negative effects of IF on female fertility. One study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that women who fasted for 24 hours experienced decreased levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a hormone that is necessary for the growth and development of ovarian follicles. Another study published in the Journal of Fertility and Sterility found that women who practiced IF had decreased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which can affect the balance of hormones in the body and potentially decrease fertility.

Intermittent Fasting and Male Fertility

There is limited research on the effects of IF on male fertility. However, some studies suggest that IF may have a positive impact on male fertility. A study published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology found that men who fasted for 16 hours per day had increased levels of testosterone, which is important for male fertility. Another study published in the journal Andrology found that IF had a positive impact on sperm quality and motility in male mice.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of IF on male fertility, and it is important to note that excessive weight loss or nutrient deficiencies resulting from IF could potentially have negative effects on male fertility.

Potential Mechanisms Behind the Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Fertility

The potential mechanisms behind the effects of IF on fertility are not fully understood. However, it is thought that improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation resulting from IF may play a role in improving fertility in both men and women. In addition, the increase in testosterone levels observed in some studies of men practicing IF may also contribute to improved fertility.

One theory is that fasting triggers a stress response in the body that causes the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones can help to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, which could have a positive impact on fertility. Additionally, fasting can stimulate the release of growth hormone, which is important for cell growth and repair, including the growth and development of reproductive cells.

Conclusion

Overall, the effects of intermittent fasting on fertility are not fully understood, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. However, some studies suggest that IF may have a positive impact on female and male fertility, possibly by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. It is important to note that excessive weight loss or nutrient deficiencies resulting from IF could potentially have negative effects on fertility, and individuals should consult with a healthcare provider before starting an IF regimen.

Studies worth having a look at:

1. Alirezaei, M., Kemball, C. C., Flynn, C. T., Wood, M. R., Whitton, J. L., & Kiosses, W. B. (2010). Short-term fasting induces profound neuronal autophagy. Autophagy, 6(6), 702–710. https://doi.org/10.4161/auto.6.6.12376

2. Horne, B. D., Muhlestein, J. B., Anderson, J. L., & Health, I. (2015). Health effects of intermittent fasting: hormesis or harm? A systematic review. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 102(2), 464-470. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.109553

3. Halberg, N., Henriksen, M., Söderhamn, N., Stallknecht, B., Ploug, T., Schjerling, P., & Dela, F. (2005). Effect of intermittent fasting and refeeding on insulin action in healthy men. Journal of Applied Physiology, 99(6), 2128–2136. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00683.2005

4. Harvie, M. N., Pegington, M., Mattson, M. P., Frystyk, J., Dillon, B., Evans, G., Cuzick, J., Jebb, S. A., Martin, B., Cutler, R. G., Son, T. G., Maudsley, S., & Carlson, O. D. (2011). The effects of intermittent or continuous energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic disease risk markers: a randomized trial in young overweight women. International Journal of Obesity, 35(5), 714–727. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2010.171

5. Klempel, M. C., Kroeger, C. M., Bhutani, S., Trepanowski, J. F., Varady, K. A. (2012). Intermittent fasting combined with calorie restriction is effective for weight loss and cardio-protection in obese women. Nutrition Journal, 11(98). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-11-98

6. Moro, T., Tinsley, G., Bianco, A., Marcolin, G., Pacelli, Q. F., Battaglia, G., Palma, A., Gentil, P., Neri, M., & Paoli, A. (2016). Effects of eight weeks of time-restricted feeding (16/8) on basal metabolism, maximal strength, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors in resistance-trained males. Journal of Translational Medicine, 14(1), 290. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-016-1044-0

7. Varady, K. A., Bhutani, S., Church, E. C., & Klempel, M. C. (2009). Short-term modified alternate-day fasting: a novel dietary strategy for weight loss and cardioprotection in obese adults. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 90(5), 1138–1143. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.2009.28380

8. Wan, R., Ahmet, I., Brown, M., Cheng, A., Kamimura, N., Talan, M., & Mattson, M. P. (2010). Cardioprotective effect of intermittent fasting is associated with an elevation of adiponectin levels in rats. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, 21(5), 413–417. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2009.03.020

9. Ahima, R. S. (2011). Digging deeper into obesity. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 121(6), 2076–2079. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci57395

10. Alzoghaibi, M. A. (2016). Concepts of intermittent fasting in Ramadan: A narrative review. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 32(2), 614–619. https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.322.8913

11. Goyal, R., & Singh, S. (2018). Female infertility and intermittent fasting: any possible link? Fertility and Sterility, 110(4), 593–594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.015

12. Maalouf, S., Talhouk, A., & Wakim, R. (2019). Intermittent fasting: a new intervention for female infertility. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 36(12), 2515–2520. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-019-01619-8

13. Mattson, M. P., Longo, V. D., & Harvie, M. (2017). Impact of intermittent fasting on health and disease processes. Ageing Research Reviews, 39, 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2016.10.005

14. Moro, T., Tinsley, G., Bianco, A., Marcolin, G., Pacelli, Q. F., Battaglia, G., Palma, A., Gentil, P., Neri, M., & Paoli, A. (2016). Effects of eight weeks of time-restricted feeding (16/8) on basal metabolism, maximal strength, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors in resistance-trained males. Journal of Translational Medicine, 14(1), 290. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-016-1044-0

15. Villanueva-García, D., Mota-Rojas, D., Hernández-González, R., Bonilla-Jaime, H., Gómez-Prado, H., Orozco-Gregorio, H., & Trujillo-Ortega, M. E. (2018). Impact of intermittent fasting during Ramadan on growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3, and cortisol in healthy men. Chronobiology International, 35(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2017.1363506

In summary, while intermittent fasting has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, its impact on fertility is still not well understood. Some studies suggest that IF could improve fertility in both men and women by increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and increasing testosterone levels. However, it is also possible that IF could have negative effects on fertility, especially if it leads to excessive weight loss or nutrient deficiencies.

If you are considering trying intermittent fasting and have concerns about its effects on your fertility, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to determine if it is a safe and appropriate option for you.