The Pineapple Core Myth: What the Research Actually Says About Bromelain
Does eating pineapple core support implantation during IVF? Here's what the research on bromelain actually shows, and where the evidence gap really sits.
If you've spent any time in IVF or TTC communities, you've probably heard the pineapple core advice. The idea goes that eating pineapple core, particularly around the time of an embryo transfer, can help support implantation. It's become something of a symbol in the fertility community, a small ritual of hope during an incredibly stressful process.
But does the science back it up? Let's break it down.
The Claim
The theory centres on bromelain, a natural enzyme complex found in pineapple, with the highest concentration in the core. The idea circulating online is that consuming pineapple core on the day of embryo transfer every day for 5 days may help the embryo implant, thanks to bromelain's properties.
What the Evidence Actually Shows
Here's the honest answer: there are no published, peer-reviewed studies on pineapple core and implantation.
It's important to be clear on what that means, and what it doesn't mean. No published research isn't the same as proof it doesn't work. Absence of evidence isn't evidence of absence, but it does mean we can't currently recommend it as an evidence-based strategy.
What About Bromelain Itself?
Bromelain is a genuinely researched compound, just not in this context. Its evidence base sits largely in wound healing, inflammation, and post-surgical recovery, areas like joint health and recovery.
In the fertility and reproductive health space specifically, the picture is much thinner. The few studies that exist have looked at bromelain's effects in animal models, not humans, and none have examined implantation directly:
A 2025 rat study found bromelain had a protective effect against oxidative stress and testicular dysfunction caused by sleep deprivation (PMID: 40280068)
A 2022 mouse study found bromelain reduced sperm damage associated with bisphenol-A (BPA) exposure, an endocrine-disrupting chemical (PMID: 36068179)
Both are animal studies, both relate to sperm health rather than implantation, and neither can be extrapolated to human fertility outcomes with any confidence.
Bottom-line
If you enjoy pineapple and it’s in season, it's a great way to include it as part of your 2-3 recommended serves of fruit each day, alongside the fibre, vitamin C, and other nutrients it offers.
What it isn't, based on what we currently know, is a proven strategy for improving implantation. If you're going through IVF, the most evidence-supported approach is a consistent, whole-food pattern of eating across your entire cycle, not a single food eaten around one specific day.
Have you heard other fertility nutrition myths circulating online that you'd like broken down? Send us a message, we'd love to hear what you're seeing and help separate the evidence from the noise.
References:
Hosseinpour M, Dalband AM, Lajevardi Z, et al. The protective effect of bromelain on testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by REM sleep deprivation in adult male rats. Tissue Cell. 2025. PMID: 40280068
Khazaeel K, Ramezani Rad O, Jamshidian J, et al. Effect of bromelain on sperm quality, testicular oxidative stress and expression of oestrogen receptors in bisphenol-A treated male mice. Andrologia. 2022;54(11):e14584. PMID: 36068179