A study published in Oxford Academic Human Reproduction found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is associated with lower fertility in men and delayed pregnancy in couples. The research, which followed 831 women and 651 male partners from 2017 to 2021, showed that men with higher UPF intake had a 37% higher risk of subfertility, rising to 69% for the highest consumption group. In women, higher UPF intake was linked to smaller embryonic growth and yolk size. Dr. Gaillard, the study lead, said: "Our findings suggest that a diet low in UPFs would be best for both partners, not only for their own health, but also for their chances of pregnancy and the health of their unborn child."
Separate research presented at the Radiological Society of North America linked UPF consumption to increased fat in thigh muscles, which raises the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Using MRI data from over 600 adults, researchers found that higher UPF intake was associated with greater thigh muscle fat regardless of calorie intake or exercise. Dr. Zehra Akkaya noted that osteoarthritis is "highly linked to obesity and unhealthy lifestyle choices."
This is very good research which shows an association between ultra-processed foods and a higher chance of developing BPH.
A third study, published in the Nutrition Journal, found that each 10% increase in UPF consumption was associated with a 4% higher risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. The study of 77,951 British men over 10 years identified 7,387 BPH cases. Conversely, each 10% increase in non-processed plant food reduced BPH risk by 9%. Professor Raj Persad commented: "These findings suggest that avoiding ultra-processed foods could be very useful and inexpensive strategy for patients and for the NHS."
BPH is far more common than prostate cancer in men and can cause severe problems requiring pharmaceuticals or surgery, which can be expensive and which can have side effects.
These findings suggest that avoiding ultra-processed foods could be very useful and inexpensive strategy for patients and for the NHS.
This research establishes a new, important association but is not proof of cause. For that, more research is now needed.
Given the widespread agreement among scientists that ultra-processed food can be harmful, [the rest of the quote is cut off].