Diet Quality, Nutrient Intake, and Body Fat Percentage in Women with Infertility and Normal Body Mass Index.

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a major public health concern worldwide. While excess body weight is a well-established risk factor for impaired fertility, increasing evidence indicates that elevated body fat content may also occur in women with normal body mass index, a phenotype described as normal-weight obesity. This study aimed to assess associations between diet quality, intake of selected nutrients, and body fat content among women attending an infertility clinic with body mass index (BMI) within the normal range.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 45 women with infertility and normal BMI (18.5-24.99 kg/m2). Dietary intake was assessed using 3-day food diaries and a food frequency questionnaire. Diet quality was evaluated using the pro-healthy diet index, non-healthy diet index, and diet quality index. Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Participants were divided according to median body fat percentage, <24.9% vs. ≥24.9%.

RESULTS

Participants' body fat percentage ranged from 12.2% to 34.3%, and in the case of 6 women, the body fat percentage (>30%) indicated normal weight obesity. No differences were observed in pHDI, nHDI, or DQI scores between groups after correction for multiple comparisons. Inadequate iron intake was reported in all women.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with infertility and normal BMI, body fat percentage varied widely. No associations were observed between dietary variables and body composition parameters.