A new study suggests that men who frequently consume highly processed foods are much more likely to face fertility problems, significantly extending the time it takes couples to achieve pregnancy.
According to researchers, men who eat a diet high in ultra-processed foods – such as industrial breads, cakes, pastries, fried foods and salty snacks – have about a 75% higher risk of subfertility. This condition means that it takes longer for the partner to get pregnant compared to couples with a more balanced diet.
The study, conducted at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, involved 831 women and 651 men who were trying to conceive. The results showed that a significant portion of the participants' diets consisted of these foods: on average a fifth for women and a quarter for men. In fact, more than one in ten couples admitted that over a third of their diet was like this.
Among men who consumed the most processed foods, the risk of subfertility increased significantly—reaching nearly 70%. Overall, nearly 40% of the men in the study reported difficulty conceiving.
The effects aren't limited to fertility. Researchers found that women who regularly consumed such foods were more likely to have pregnancies with slower embryo development. The unborn children in these cases showed slight changes in the early stages of development, including slightly smaller initial structures and a slower rate of embryonic growth.
Previous research has linked slow embryonic growth to a higher risk of premature birth, spontaneous abortion and cardiovascular problems in childhood.
However, the authors emphasize that the study is observational and does not directly prove that ultra-processed foods are the cause of these problems. Other factors may have influenced the results.
Independent experts urge caution in interpretation. They emphasize that the observed changes are relatively small and that the influence of factors such as body weight, physical activity and general lifestyle remains much more important.
However, researchers recommend that couples planning a pregnancy – especially men – limit their consumption of ultra-processed foods as much as possible.
The main message is clear: the health and lifestyle of both partners play an important role in fertility and the healthy development of the child, not just that of the mother. /GazetaExpress/
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