A new study reported that
ultra-processed foods may be linked to a decline in male reproductive health,
including sperm quality. When the study participants were on an
ultra-processed diet, it was found that sperm quality trended toward impairment.
Those on the ultra-processed diet also saw decreases in their
testosterone levels and follicle-stimulating hormones, which are crucial for
sperm production.
Researchers noted that the subjects on the ultra-processed diet
experienced an increase in the phthalate cxMINP, a substance found in plastic
packaging used for ultra-processed foods and can disrupt hormonal systems in
the body.
The researchers said some of the endocrine-disrupting substances
may come from the plastic packaging used for ultra-processed foods.
They also noted that the introduction of ultra-processed foods in
the 1970s seems to fall in line with a 60% decline worldwide in sperm count.
Kristin Kirkpatrick, president of KAK Consulting and a dietitian
at Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine, said,
“The study found that endocrine disrupters and other components altered hormone
levels in men, even if the men were healthy. This means, even if you’re healthy
based on other parameters, yet consume a diet higher in ultra-processed foods,
you still are at risk for increases in chronic conditions.”
Philip Werthman, a urologist and director of the Center for Male
Reproductive Medicine and Vasectomy Reversal in Los Angeles, added that a man’s
general health can also affect their reproductive system. For example, a person
who has gained weight, developed type 2 diabetes, or experienced a rise in
cholesterol levels may see a decline in reproductive health measures such as
sperm quality.
“The reproductive system is a function of your overall health,”
Werthman explained. “The reproductive system is quite sensitive.”
Experts said there are lifestyle habits that can help improve and
maintain male reproductive health.
“In general, good diet (whole grains, fruits, vegetables),
exercise, and maintaining a good body weight will help overall and reproductive
health,” said Michael Eisenberg, a professor of urology at Stanford University.
Werthman said a healthy diet is “a big component” of that
equation, but noted that men, especially those in the process of trying to have
children, should exercise regularly as well as avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Kirkpatrick agreed.
“Eating a diet high in nutrient density, such as the Mediterranean
diet, as well as regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management,
maintaining a healthy weight, and abstaining from tobacco and alcohol, may all
play a role in better reproductive health,” she said.
“Consuming ultra-processed foods means that other foods, which are
found to help in the prevention of heart disease (like fresh fruit and
vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber) are not being consumed,” Kirkpatrick said.
Werthman noted that heat sources such as saunas and hot tubs can also
temporarily impact sperm quality and quantity.
“All these things affect the reproductive system,” he said. “The
body is an integrated system.”
In fact, past studies already revealed that ultra-processed foods
are a major contributing factor to obesity as well as increasing a person’s for
heart disease, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea. In one study, it was found that
the risk of stroke and cognitive decline, were linked to 124,000 preventable
deaths in the United States during a two-year period. These include higher
cholesterol levels and increased body weight. The amount of fat mass in their
bodies also increased.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US
reported that ultra-processed foods account for an average of 55% of total
calories consumed by people in the United States.
The CDC said ultra-processed foods tend to be “hyperpalatable,
energy-dense, low in dietary fiber, and contain little or no whole foods, while
having high amounts of salt, sweeteners, and unhealthy fats.”
Excess sugar and sodium consumption has been found in multiple
studies to pose a significant risk to heart health.
“This study provides evidence that consumption of ultra-processed
food is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless
of excessive caloric intake,” the study authors wrote.
