Growing evidence suggests a link between diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) and reduced fertility in both men and women, as well as potential complications during pregnancy. A new study published in the journal Human Reproduction adds to this body of research, indicating that higher consumption of UPFs may be associated with slower embryonic growth and a decreased chance of conception.
UPFs, which now comprise over half of the average diet in the UK, include items like crisps, chocolate, some breakfast cereals and instant noodles. More than half of calories consumed across the UK are from these convenience foods, raising concerns about their broader impact on public health. While the impact of these foods on embryonic development hasn’t been extensively studied until recently, researchers are beginning to uncover potential risks.
The study, analyzing data from 831 women and 651 male partners during the pre-conception period and early pregnancy (between 2017 and 2021), found that higher UPF consumption in men correlated with a higher risk of subfertility and a longer time to achieve pregnancy. In women, increased UPF intake was associated with slightly smaller embryonic growth and yolk sac size by the seventh week of pregnancy. The parents’ diets were assessed using questionnaires during early pregnancy, around 12 weeks.
Impact on Embryonic Development
Researchers found that embryos of mothers who consumed the most UPFs tended to be smaller throughout the first trimester compared to those whose mothers ate the least. Slower embryonic growth during the first trimester has been linked to an increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including premature birth, low birth weight, and potential cardiovascular problems in childhood. Impaired yolk sac development, also observed in the study, is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Expert Caution and Further Research
While the study highlights a potential association, experts emphasize the require for further investigation. Professor Channa Jayasena of Imperial College London, who was not involved in the research, noted that the observed differences were “tiny” and less significant than the impact of weight management. “We have no way of knowing whether it is UPF itself, or some other behaviour that is linked with the things they observed,” he stated. He further cautioned that the impact of UPFs on reproductive health, if any, appears to be slight.
Dr. Romy Gaillard, lead author of the study and an associate professor at Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, suggests that a diet low in UPFs may be beneficial for both partners, not only for their overall health but also for their chances of pregnancy and the health of their future child. “Our findings suggest that a diet low in UPFs would be best for both partners,” she said.
Researchers observed that, on average, 22 percent of women’s diets and 25 percent of men’s diets consisted of UPFs. This underscores the prevalence of these foods in modern diets and the potential for widespread impact.
What’s Next in Understanding UPF and Fertility?
This study represents an important first step in understanding the complex relationship between ultra-processed foods and reproductive health. Future research will need to explore the specific components of UPFs that may be contributing to these effects and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Further prospective cohort studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these findings and determine the extent to which dietary changes can improve fertility outcomes. The growing body of research on ultra-processed foods and female infertility suggests a need for increased awareness and potential public health recommendations.
This research adds to the growing conversation about the impact of diet on reproductive health, highlighting the importance of prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods for those planning a family.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on diet and fertility.
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