Junk Food, Packaged Food, Alcohol, and Sedentary Lifestyle Linked to Higher Infertility Risk
Patiala, August 3
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Examines Environmental and Genetic Influences
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Promotes Awareness, Healthier Diets, and Better Reproductive Outcomes
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Emphasizes Need for Integrated Care with Focus on Psychological Support
A groundbreaking study titled Association of Environmental Factors and Gene Polymorphism with Infertility in Couples of Reproductive Age conducted at Punjabi University, Patiala, has shed light on the intricate interplay of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to infertility among couples. Led by Dr. Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Dr. Rajinder Kaur from the Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, and co-supervised by Dr. Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, the research highlights the pressing need for increased awareness and comprehensive strategies to tackle infertility, a rising issue among reproductive-age populations.
Key Findings
Dr. Mandeep Kaur detailed that the study pinpointed several epidemiological and environmental factors contributing to infertility, including body mass index (BMI), duration of marriage, low physical activity, occupation, irregular dietary habits, tea/coffee consumption, and junk food intake. Notably, altered serum levels of heavy metals such as copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and bismuth (Bi), along with elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were linked to increased risks of both primary and secondary infertility. Specifically, women with infertility showed lower levels of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn), while high copper levels were associated with elevated triglycerides. In men, higher chromium (Cr) and LDL cholesterol levels were correlated with reduced semen quality, further increasing infertility risk.
Dr. Rajinder Kaur explained that genetic analysis identified variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) associated with heightened infertility risk in both men and women, while the NR5A1 gene variant (rs1110061) exhibited a protective effect in men. The study also uncovered significant gene-environment interactions, particularly involving the MTHFR rs1801133 variant and lifestyle factors such as junk food (9.34%), canned food (10.07%), alcohol consumption (6.32%), and low physical activity (4.64%), which substantially elevate infertility risk. Additionally, a notable correlation (p < 0.05) was found between infertility and elevated depression levels in women, underscoring the importance of psychological support in infertility management.
Dr. Preeti Kheterpal emphasized that the findings advocate for greater public awareness about the impact of lifestyle on fertility and the promotion of healthier dietary choices to improve reproductive outcomes. By exploring the roles of heavy metals, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions, the study enhances understanding of infertility’s underlying mechanisms. These insights pave the way for early detection of high-risk pregnancies, timely counseling, and the establishment of specialized clinics for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infertility. The study calls for a holistic approach, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions to address infertility effectively.
Institutional Recognition
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Jagdeep Singh congratulated the research team, lauding the study’s significance. He noted that such research highlights the vital role of academic and research institutions in addressing societal challenges and strengthens public trust in these establishments.
