Can Beetroot, Watermelon & Ginger Juice Support Embryo Implantation During IVF?
When you’re going through an IVF cycle, especially during the dreaded two-week wait, it’s natural to wonder what else you can do to support embryo implantation. From pineapple cores to McDonald’s fries, there’s no shortage of advice online. But what does the science say?
A recent study has explored how a simple juice blend made with beetroot, watermelon and ginger might support the uterine environment, enhancing implantation and boosting your chances of falling pregnant.
What is Implantation?
Implantation is the process where a fertilised embryo attaches itself to the endometrial lining of the uterus. To give it the best chance of success, we want to focus on building a thick, healthy lining and keeping inflammation low. This helps create a nurturing environment that encourages the embryo to implant successfully and begin development.
Can beetroot improve implantation?
Beetroot is a known source of dietary nitrates, once we eat these dietary nitrates they turn into nitrix oxide (NO) which helps dilate blood vessels. This process allows for better blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including to the uterus, where a receptive environment is crucial for implantation.
Previous research in the sports nutrition field has shown that beetroot juice is effective at improving oxygenation in the blood. To learn more about the crossover between sports nutrition & supplements and fertility check out this blog post.
Want more guidance on what to eat while going through IVF?
Get our FREE IVF Essentials Audio Guide from our founder, Stefanie Valakas APD, award-winning fertility dietitian & nutritionist stepping you through the nutrition changes from egg collection, sperm health to implantation & the two week wait. Access the audio guide here.
What the Research Says About Beetroot, Ginger & Watermelon Juice
A clinical trial involving 296 women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) found promising results:
- Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (74 people) or a supplementation group (222 people).
- The supplementation group consumed freshly made beetroot, watermelon and ginger juice daily starting on the day of embryo transfer through to the pregnancy test (i.e. the two week wait).
Key Findings:
- Implantation Rate: 24.2% (Supplement Group) vs. 17.8% (Control Group)
- Clinical Pregnancy Rate: 41.0% vs. 21.6%
- Miscarriage Rate: 0% in the Supplement Group vs. 18% in the Control Group
Basically, those who drank the juice had a higher implantation rate, higher clinical pregnancy rate and reduced pregnancy loss rate compared to the control group.
Should You Try Beetroot, Watermelon & Ginger Juice for IVF?
While more rigorous studies are needed to confirm these findings, the results are promising. That said, the study left out some key details, such as the exact ingredients and quantities in the juice, and what (if anything) the control group consumed instead, was it just water or orange juice or something else?
Still, this feels like a far more evidence-informed option compared to some of the more questionable fertility hacks you’ll find online, and it could be a simple addition to your two week wait plan.
Other Foods That May Enhance Embryo Implantation
Certain nutrients and foods have been shown to support implantation by helping to build up the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) and reducing inflammation and supporting the vaginal and endometrial microbiome.
Leafy Greens
Rich in fertility-friendly folate, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and rocket not only support healthy neural tube development but may also aid implantation by supporting endometrial health.
Wholegrains
Wholegrains like quinoa, brown rice, oats and wholemeal bread provide key fertility nutrients including B vitamins (especially folate), fibre, iron and iodine. These nutrients are vital for fertility and may enhance implantation potential according to research.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A study involving 100 women undergoing assisted reproductive therapy (ART) found that those with higher omega-3 intake had significantly improved implantation rates compared to those with lower intakes (Chiu, Y-H, et al. 2018). Try including foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts and chia seeds in your diet.
Don’t Forget Your Prenatal
A high-quality prenatal supplement ensures you’re meeting your needs for key nutrients like folate, iodine and iron. Not sure which prenatal is right for you? Book in for an Express Prenatal Supplement Consult with one of our expert Australian fertility dietitians in our virtual clinic.
Learn more in our blog: What to Eat in the Two Week Wait.
The Bottom Line
While sipping on beetroot, watermelon and ginger juice isn’t a guaranteed ticket to implantation success, it definitely won’t hurt to include it in your fertility routine. Think of it as just one helpful piece of the puzzle. Pairing it with a balanced Mediterranean-style diet: full of wholegrains, oily fish, leafy greens, legumes and healthy fats, can help set the stage for a more supportive environment for conception.
Need personalised fertility nutrition guidance? Book a consultation with The Dietologist today!
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