Are We Still Mediterranean? Dietary Quality and Adherence in Sicilian Women Undergoing ART: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

Background and

Objectives

The Mediterranean diet is traditionally linked to metabolic balance and improved reproductive health. However, dietary patterns in Mediterranean regions have progressively shifted toward more Westernized models, particularly among women of reproductive age, raising concerns about declining adherence to this historically protective diet.

Objective

To assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet among women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and to explore possible associations with ovarian response and clinical outcomes. Materials and

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study was conducted at a reproductive clinic in Sicily between 1 June and 31 July 2022. One hundred women aged 18-40 years undergoing infertility assessment and scheduled for controlled ovarian stimulation were enrolled. Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated using the validated 14-item MEDAS questionnaire during the first clinical visit. ART-related outcomes, including ovarian response and pregnancy rates, were extracted from medical records.

Results

The mean MEDAS score was 7.6 ± 1.2: 93% of women showed moderate adherence, 3% high adherence, and 4% low adherence. No significant associations were found between MEDAS score, and total oocytes retrieved, MII oocytes, or clinical pregnancy.

Conclusions

Despite living in a traditionally Mediterranean area, participants demonstrated only moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Although no associations with single-cycle ART outcomes emerged, the findings underscore the need for structured nutritional counseling to reinforce sustained adherence and support long-term reproductive health.