A Systematic Review of the Effects of Soy-Based Products and Phytoestrogens on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Food Science, Student Research Committee, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Assistant Professor of Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.22038/ijogi.2025.87300.6409

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is defined as the failure to achieve pregnancy after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are effective options for infertility treatment. In recent years, the role of nutrition and lifestyle in enhancing treatment outcomes has received increasing attention. Soy isoflavones (phytoestrogens), due to their estrogen-like properties, have shown potential in improving female fertility. This systematic review aimed to investigate the effects of both soy-based dietary products and phytoestrogen supplements on ART-related outcomes

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in both English and Persian databases including Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, SID, ISC, and Cochrane up to March 2025, using keywords related to infertility, soy, phytoestrogens, isoflavones, and ART. Both dietary soy products and phytoestrogen supplements were considered as interventions.

Results: Five studies with a total of 1,085 participants were included. In women, soy consumption was associated with increased clinical pregnancy rates, improved implantation, and higher live birth rates. These benefits were more evident with moderate doses and in the presence of clomiphene citrate or exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds. Soy also appeared to counteract the adverse effects of certain environmental toxins. However, soy intake by men showed no significant impact on ART outcomes.

Conclusion: The use of soy-based products—whether from dietary sources or as phytoestrogen supplements—may enhance ART outcomes in women, particularly in improving clinical pregnancy, fertilization, implantation, and live birth rates.

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 November 2025

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