Popular Products Reduce Chances of Pregnancy 0 12

Scientists have found that a high proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet may be associated with a decreased likelihood of pregnancy. The results of the study were published in the journal Nutrition & Health (N&H).

Ultra-processed foods are defined by researchers as industrially manufactured products with a large number of additives — for example, sugary drinks, snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and processed meats. These products undergo multiple stages of processing and often contain flavor enhancers, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

The researchers analyzed data from 2,582 women aged 20–45 from the American NHANES survey. It turned out that, on average, such products make up about 27 percent of the diet, but among women with conception difficulties, it is already more than 30 percent. Statistical analysis showed a consistent relationship: as the proportion of ultra-processed food increases, the likelihood of fertility decreases even when accounting for age, lifestyle, and obesity.

At the same time, a more 'healthy' type of diet — the Mediterranean diet — initially demonstrated a positive relationship with fertility, but after accounting for weight, this effect disappeared. This indicates that the impact of diet may be related not only to caloric content but also to the quality of the foods.

The authors suggest that the key role may be played not only by the low nutritional value of such food but also by the chemicals that arise during industrial processing and packaging. They can affect hormonal balance and inflammatory processes, which potentially impacts reproductive function.