The food group “dairy” includes a range of different foods (i.e., milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.) that vary in nutritional profiles. There are often a lot of questions and misconceptions surrounding the effect of dairy on fertility, so let’s separate facts from fads.

Is dairy nutritious?
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Dairy, as a food group, is nutrient-dense. It provides a range of beneficial nutrients and minerals including high-quality protein, calcium, iodine, vitamin D, and B vitamins; and some types of fermented dairy (i.e., kefir and live yogurt) contain probiotics to support gut health. These key nutrients are important for supporting fertility and for the health and development of the baby. For example, sufficient calcium is required to support foetal bone development and iodine is required for foetal brain development, with even mild maternal deficiency shown to negatively affect the child's IQ at school age (1).
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What’s the evidence for dairy and fertility?
The evidence suggests that consuming dairy can support fertility. In females, dairy intake has been associated with supporting healthy ovulation (2), increased live birth via IVF (3), and a lower risk of endometriosis (4). Dairy also has a positive effect on insulin resistance and can have a place in a healthy pre-conception diet for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome(PCOS) (5). Higher dairy intake has also been associated with improved sperm concentration and motility in males (6). There is some evidence to suggest women may benefit more from full fat dairy, while men may benefit more from low-fat dairy. However, the evidence is limited and not conclusive.

How much dairy is advisable to support fertility?
‍Aim to include 2-3 portions of dairy per day to support fertility. Examples of 1x serving size of dairy include 1 glass of milk/ 4 tbsp yogurt/ matchbox size portion of cheese/ 3 tbsp cottage cheese/ 1 tbsp cream cheese. Opt for unsweetened versions and consider your choices in the context of long-term goals, i.e., if weight loss is a goal, then choosing lower fat options may be beneficial.

What if I don’t eat dairy?
‍Whether for environmental or ethical reasons or due to intolerances, there are many validreasons someone may exclude dairy from their diet. If this is the case, it is important to ensure these key nutrients are replaced. If including plant-based milks, check they are fortified withcalcium, iodine and B-vitamins (organic plant-based milks are not fortified and therefore provide little nutritional value), and choose Soy milk for a plant-based source of protein. Forthose who are lactose intolerant, including some dairy is normally possible (in smaller doses, spread evenly across the day) which can help increase tolerance. Fermented milk products andhard cheeses typically contain less lactose so are a good option for sensitive stomachs!

Key takeaways
Dairy provides many important nutrients and minerals for fertility and the future baby's health and development. The research consensus currently supports the inclusion of dairy for fertility outcomes. If excluding dairy, the key nutrients must be replaced through plant-based sources. If you would like personalised support, get in touch with Jessica Neil, SANNO gut health & fertility clinician.

Written by nutritionist Jessica Neil, March 2025.

References:
1. Levie, D., et al. (2019). "Association of maternal iodine status with child IQ: a metaanalysis of individual participant data." The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &Metabolism 104(12): 5957-5967.2. Chavarro, J. E., et al. (2007). "A prospective study of dairy foods intake andanovulatory infertility." Hum Reprod 22(5): 1340-1347.3. Afeiche, M. C., et al. (2016). "Dairy intake in relation to in vitro fertilization outcomesamong women from a fertility clinic." Hum Reprod 31(3): 563-571.4. Qi, X., et al. (2021). "Relationship Between Dairy Products Intake and Risk ofEndometriosis: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis." Front Nutr8: 701860.5. Janiszewska, J., et al. (2020). "Milk and Dairy Products and Their Impact onCarbohydrate Metabolism and Fertility-A Potential Role in the Diet of Women withPolycystic Ovary Syndrome." Nutrients 12(11).6. Afeiche, M. C., et al. (2014). "Dairy intake and semen quality among men attending afertility clinic." Fertil Steril 101(5): 1280-1287.
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