Gluten Free IVF: New Research from Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey Reveals Gluten-Free Diets and Celiac Disease are Unlikely to Impact IVF Outcomes or Fertility for Those Trying to Conceive

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Member of the IVI-RMA Global Network of Fertility Centers, Present 30 New Studies at the 2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Meeting

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Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey

Oct 30, 2017, 10:01 ET

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., Oct. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gluten-free diets have been dispelled as a quick fix for infertility according to a new research from Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ). The findings were presented this week at the largest scientific conference dedicated to furthering research related to assisted reproductive medicine, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) 2017 Scientific Congress & Expo held in San Antonio, Texas.

A recent trial conducted by RMANJ compares gluten-free and regular diets to see if either offer any true advantage for infertile patients. Dr. Jamie Morris addresses the big question on whether or not gluten-free diets improve infertility?

While healthy eating, including a low-carb diet, is part of a holistic, evidence-based approach to treating patients with infertility at RMANJ, adhering to a gluten-free diet has been shown to have no impact on increasing fertility for those trying to conceive.

The studies are the first large research projects to investigate IVF outcomes in gluten-free patients and the frequency of celiac disease in infertile patients. One study found that patients on a gluten-free diet had equivalent IVF success rates to those whose diet included gluten, proving that maintaining a gluten-free diet to improve IVF outcomes is a major misconception. The other study revealed that IVF success rates were equivalent between those with celiac disease (a disease with proven gluten intolerance) and those without.

"Gluten-free diets have risen in popularity over the last few years for quick fixes to a variety of health issues, including infertility, and we wanted to scientifically explore that claim," said IVI-RMA Global CEO, Richard T. Scott, Jr., MD, FACOG, HCLD/ALD, and co-author of several gluten-free studies. "Our goal is to leverage research to continually refine our holistic, patient-centered approach to care and, as a result of these studies, we have determined that there is no evidence to support that claim."

An overview of the findings can be viewed online at the company's YouTube page.

"The remainder of the more than 40 pieces of research released at ASRM, conducted both by RMANJ and our partners in the IVI-RMA Global network, highlight our commitment to advancing the field of reproductive medicine and furthering our understanding of important topics related to treating infertility," Dr. Scott continued.

Among those topics is the relationship between fertility and body mass index (BMI), a simple ratio calculated from a patient's height and weight. BMI has long been used as a means for estimating the impact of metabolic health on fertility, but a recent study under the direction of Dr. Scott utilized a more sensitive method for studying metabolic health called a bioelectrical impedance scale. This innovative tool revealed that a patient's percentage of body fat was a better predictor of IVF success than standard BMI calculations. This approach demonstrated that a more nuanced, scientific approach provides more valuable information to patients and their physicians.

In addition to improving the understanding of the impact of gluten free diets and BMI on fertility, RMANJ's 2017 ASRM studies also demonstrated improvement in methods for preimplantation genetic analysis of embryos. One study demonstrated a significant reduction in miscarriages when the newest method of genetic screening, next-generation sequencing, was employed. These promising data demonstrate improved sensitivity for selecting the healthiest embryos for transfer.

"RMANJ's primary goal is to help patients achieve successful pregnancies and we take great pride in our research to ensure they have access to the most impactful insights and treatments to help them overcome infertility, one healthy baby at a time," added Dr. Scott.

With a success rate about 20% higher than the US average, RMANJ attributes its remarkable delivery rates to its state-of-the-art laboratory, use of breakthrough technologies – such as comprehensive chromosome screening (SelectCCS), which determines chromosomal abnormalities in embryos, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), a process that helps determine which embryos are most likely to help a woman conceive during IVF – and its extensive forward-thinking approach to fertility research. For an in-depth look at RMANJ's 2017 ASRM research and additional reproductive health-focused data, visit RMANJ.com.

About IVI-RMA Global
IVI-RMA Global was founded in 2017 when the Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI) merged with Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey (RMANJ). Together, the companies comprise the largest group dedicated to assisted reproduction in the world. IVI currently has more than 70 centers in 12 countries with clinics in the United States, Spain, Portugal, Italy, United Kingdom, Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, UAE and India. For more information visit: IVI-Fertility.com. RMANJ is the organization's U.S. flagship practice and currently has 25 physicians and 10 locations in New Jersey: Basking Ridge, Eatontown, Englewood, Freehold, Hamilton, Morristown, Somerset, Springfield, West Orange, and its newest location in Marlton, New Jersey. For more information visit RMANJ.com.