Work

Association between proinflammatory diet and infertility among US reproductive-aged women: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2013–2018

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and infertility among United States women of childbearing age and assess whether body mass index (BMI) modifies this relationship. A cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013-2018) included 2236 women aged 18 to 45 years. DII was derived from 24-hour dietary recall, and infertility was self-reported. Weighted logistic regression and interaction analyses were used. Higher DII scores were associated with increased infertility risk. Compared to the lowest DII quartile, the highest quartile had 54% higher odds of infertility (odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.32; P trend = .026). BMI significantly modified the association (P interaction < .0001). The strongest effect was observed in obese women (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), with predicted infertility probability reaching 30% at high DII levels. Proinflammatory diets are associated with higher infertility risk, particularly among obese women. Reducing dietary inflammation may be a promising strategy for infertility prevention in vulnerable populations.

Source: Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000051499

Authors: Ji Du, Yong Tan

Institution: Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Nutritional Studies and Diet

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,950