A Systematic Review of the Effects of Soy and Its Phytoestrogenic Derivatives on Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

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

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutrition Sciences 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. 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 was conducted with aim to investigate the effects of soy-based dietary products and phytoestrogen supplements on ART-related outcomes.
Methods: In this systematic review, the keywords related to infertility, soy, phytoestrogens, isoflavones, and ART were searched in both English and Persian databases including Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, SID, ISC, and Cochrane without time limitation up to March 2025. Both dietary soy products and phytoestrogen supplements were considered in this study.
Results: Reviewing 5 studies with a total of 1,085 participants showed that soy consumption has different effects on ART outcomes. In women, soy consumption was associated with increased clinical pregnancy rates, improved implantation, and higher live birth rates. These benefits were more evident in 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 treatment outcomes.
Conclusion: The use of soy-based products—whether dietary sources or as phytoestrogen supplements—may enhance ART outcomes in women, particularly in improving clinical pregnancy, fertilization, implantation, and live birth rates.

Keywords

Main Subjects

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 9
November 2025
Pages 87-99

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