The UPFs and impaired fertility (19459000)
Summary of how ultra-processed food affects fertility
- The UPFs are linked with reduced motility and sperm counts
- The rise in UPF consumption coincided with a fall in global fertility rates
- The reduction in reproductive hormones, such as testosterone, is linked to UPFs
- The presence of phthalates has been linked with reduced fertility in the past.
- Even with the same calorie intake, UPFs can lead to a higher weight gain compared to unprocessed food
Sometimes, ultra-processed food (UPFs), is associated with adverse health outcomes.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has linked them to cardiovascular diseases, cancer and Parkinson’s. They have been linked to millions of deaths across Europe by the World Health Organisation.
A new study has linked them with reduced fertility among men and negative effects on reproductive and metabolic health.
Worldwide, fertility is declining
It may seem like a conspiracies, but the global drop in quality of semen is a fact.
In the last 40 years, the sperm counts in all countries have declined by 60%.
The UPFs are suspected to be caused by increased weight, saturated fats and trans fats intake, as well as endocrine disrupting industrial chemicals.
The global UPF market has also exploded, and this coincides with a drop in fertility.
It is not known at this time if a similar correlation also has a causal effect or if it’s a mere coincidence. This study examined the relationship between these two factors.
Compare UPF and unprocessed food
In the study, those who consumed a diet dominated by unprocessed food were compared to people who consumed a UPF diet. The study compared two variations: those who consumed adequate calories, and those who consumed excess calories.
The study also provided fixed calorie amounts for both diets. However, they were very similar macronutrient-wise (though the UPF had higher cholesterol levels, more saturated fats, sugars added, refined grains and dairy products, as well as lower fibre levels).
The study could therefore gauge not only the macronutrients or calories of the food but also the effect of its ultra-processed state.
UPF intake leads to lower reproductive hormones and a decline in sperm counts
In the group that consumed UPF, sperm counts and motility (ability of sperm to move) were reduced. Reproductive hormones like follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which is a reproductive hormone was also decreased. The testosterone level was lower in the group that consumed adequate calories.
Those on UPF had lower lithium and mercury levels. These two substances have both been associated with adverse effects on fertility.
This was attributed to the presence of UPFs. In the past, phthalates were linked with reduced fertility.
Weight gain is greater in UPFs
The study also found that people on UPF diets gained more weight compared to those who ate unprocessed foods.
The study concluded that this “uncoupling of weight gain and energy intake” was due to ultra-processed food.
The study suggests that this could be due to several factors. For example, processed foods have lower levels of energy metabolisable.
The participants’ metabolism could also have been affected by hormonal changes caused by diet.