Ultra-processed diets linked to lower fertility in men, early embryo changes

Sumit Jha

Mar 30, 2026

Health

Health

A new study suggests that what fills modern plates, increasingly dominated by ultra-processed food, may be shaping not just long-term health, but the ability to conceive and the earliest stages of life itself.

Health

The transformation has been gradual enough to go unnoticed. Over the past two decades, India’s food basket has shifted away from staples toward packaged and processed foods.

Health

In men, the findings were direct. Higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with reduced fertility.

Health

Women consuming more UPFs were not significantly less likely to conceive. But once conception occurred, differences appeared almost immediately.

Health

Researchers warn that in populations with higher consumption, the impact could be more pronounced.