Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health
Jessica M. Preston, Jo Iversen, Antonia Hufnagel, Line Hjort, Jodie H. Taylor, Clara Sanchez, Victoria George, Ann Normann Hansen, Lars Ängquist, Susan Hermann, Jeffrey M. Craig, Signe S. Torekov, Christian Lindh, Karin Sørig Hougaard, Marcelo A. Nóbrega, Stephen J. Simpson, Romain Barrès
Abstract
Consumption of ultra-processed food is associated with increased caloric intake and impaired health. Here, we conducted a nutrition trial (NCT05368194) with controlled, 2 × 2 crossover design and tested whether ultra-processed food impairs reproductive and metabolic fitness, with further aggravation by excess caloric intake. Comparing the response from an unprocessed to ultra-processed diet identified increased body weight and low-density lipoprotein (LDL):high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio, independent of caloric load. Several hormones involved in energy metabolism and spermatogenesis were affected, including decreased levels of growth/differentiation factor 15 and follicle-stimulating hormone. Sperm quality trended toward impairment, with a decrease in total motility. Differential accumulation of pollutants between the discordant diets were detected, such as decreased plasma lithium and a trend for increased levels of the phthalate mono(4-methyl-7-carboxyheptyl)phthalate (cxMINP) in serum, following the ultra-processed diet. Alteration in caloric load alone had distinct effects on the measured outcomes. This study provides evidence that consumption of ultra-processed food is detrimental for cardiometabolic and reproductive outcomes, regardless of excessive caloric intake.