Human ReproductionPericonceptional Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Women and Men, Fertility, and Early Embryonic Development

Higher maternal ultra-processed food consumption is linked to smaller embryonic size and reduced yolk sac volume at 7 weeks gestation, while higher paternal UPF intake raises subfertility risk by 36% and cuts monthly conception probability by 8-10%. Both findings emerged in a general-population cohort of 831 couples, where UPFs comprised 22% of women’s and 25% of men’s total diet.

Clinical Considerations

• Maternal UPF intake reduces crown-rump length and yolk sac volume at 7 weeks, with effects attenuating by the second trimester
• Paternal UPF consumption — independent of his partner’s diet — drives reduced fecundability and 37% higher subfertility odds per standard deviation increase
• UPF packaging chemicals, including phthalates and bisphenols, may compound fertility harm through endocrine disruption
• Study population consumed fewer UPFs than most high-income countries; real-world effects in typical Western diets may be substantially larger

Practice Applications

• Counsel both partners on UPF reduction at preconception visits, not maternal diet alone
• Screen for UPF-heavy dietary patterns using brief diet quality questions at fertility consultations
• Include paternal diet counseling in standard infertility workups alongside semen analysis
• Recommend whole-food substitutions for processed breads, packaged snacks, and sweetened beverages before conception attempts

More in Maternal-Fetal Medicine