Recent research highlights how eating ultra-processed foods before conception can affect fertility and early pregnancy development. This study tracked couples from preconception into the early stages of pregnancy, revealing some concerning findings.
Ultra-processed foods are typically high in sugar, salt, and additives but low in necessary nutrients. The study discovered that men who consumed more of these foods had lower fertility rates. In women, a higher intake was associated with slight changes in embryo growth.
Why does this matter? The period around conception and the first weeks of pregnancy is crucial for the child’s long-term health. During these early days, the embryo grows rapidly, relying on structures like the yolk sac before the placenta forms. Any issues during this time can raise risks for problems like preterm birth and low birth weight later on.
Interestingly, ultra-processed foods make up a significant part of daily diets in many wealthy countries. As diets change globally, understanding the effects of these foods is increasingly important.
The study involved 831 women and their partners, using food frequency questionnaires to assess diet. It also looked at how quickly couples could conceive, while ultrasound scans monitored embryo development at various stages.
On average, ultra-processed foods comprised about 22% of women’s and 25% of men’s total food intake. In women, while higher food intake didn’t consistently affect fertility, it was linked to smaller embryo sizes and decreased yolk sac volume early in pregnancy. This connection became less noticeable as the pregnancy progressed.
For men, higher consumption related to a lower chance of conceiving within a month and a greater risk of subfertility, defined as taking over a year to conceive or needing assisted reproduction. Interestingly, no strong link was found between a man’s diet and early embryo growth.
The implications of these findings emphasize the importance of diet in preconception care. While this study had a relatively healthy group of participants, dietary assessments were made at one point in early pregnancy, which may impact the interpretation of the results. Furthermore, the study identifies connections rather than definitive cause-and-effect scenarios.
Experts are increasingly advocating for nutritional advice for both partners when planning for a baby. Better dietary habits may lead to improved fertility and healthier early development. As interest in this area grows, ongoing research will be crucial in further exploring these connections.
This study adds to a growing body of evidence that suggests changes in diet could significantly influence reproductive health. Keeping an eye on food choices might be a vital strategy for couples aiming for a healthy pregnancy.
Source: Lin CHX et al. Periconceptional ultra-processed food consumption in women and men, fertility, and early embryonic development. Hum Reprod. 2026; DOI:10.1093/humrep/deag023
