Low physical activity, tea/coffee intake, junk food behind infertility: Study
The research conducted by Dr Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Dr Rajinder Kaur from the Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala and and Dr Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and integrated approaches to address infertility, a growing concern affecting reproductive-age populations.
Dr Mandeep Kaur said that the study identifies key epidemiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI), duration of marriage, low physical activity, occupation, irregular dietary habits, tea/coffee intake, and junk food consumption, as significant contributors to infertility. 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), alongside cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were associated with a higher risk of both primary and secondary infertility.
She told that specifically, lower serum levels of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were observed in women with infertility, while high copper levels correlated with elevated triglycerides. In men, increased chromium (Cr) and LDL cholesterol levels were linked to reduced semen quality, further elevating infertility risk.
Dr Rajinder Kaur said that genetic analysis revealed that variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with increased infertility risk in both men and women, while the NR5A1 gene variant (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. She told the study also identified 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 significantly heightened infertility risk.
Additionally, the research highlighted a significant correlation between infertility and elevated depression levels among women (p < 0.05), emphasising the need for psychological support in infertility management.
Dr Kheterpal said that the findings advocate for greater public awareness of lifestyle impacts on fertility, promoting healthier dietary choices to improve outcomes. By exploring the roles of heavy metals, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions, the study provides a deeper 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 focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infertility. The study calls for a holistic approach, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions to address infertility effectively.
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Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Junk food, alcohol & lack of physical activity linked to infertility, says Patiala-based Punjabi University's study
Patiala: A new research study by Punjabi University, Patiala, has brought to light alarming connections between lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and genetic factors contributing to infertility among couples of reproductive age. The study titled 'Association of environmental factors and gene polymorphism with infertility in couples of reproductive age' has revealed critical insights into the complex interplay of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to infertility among couples. The research, conducted by Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Rajinder Kaur from the department of human genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala, and co-guide Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and integrated approaches to address infertility, a growing concern affecting reproductive-age populations. Mandeep Kaur explained that the study identified key epidemiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI), duration of marriage, low physical activity, occupation, irregular dietary habits, tea and coffee intake, junk food and packaged food consumption, and alcohol intake, as significant contributors to infertility. Notably, altered serum levels of heavy metals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, selenium, uranium, vanadium, and bismuth, alongside cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were associated with a higher risk of both primary and secondary infertility. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like How Much Time Could You Save with Clearer Writing? Grammarly Install Now Undo She stated that lower serum levels of iron and zinc were observed in women with infertility, while high copper levels correlated with elevated triglycerides. In men, increased chromium and LDL cholesterol levels were linked to reduced semen quality, further elevating infertility risk. Rajinder Kaur stated that genetic analysis revealed that variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with increased infertility risk in both men and women, while the NR5A1 gene variant (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. She added that the study also identified 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 significantly heightened infertility risk. Additionally, the research highlighted a significant correlation between infertility and elevated depression levels among women, emphasising the need for psychological support in infertility management. Preeti Kheterpal said findings advocate for greater public awareness of lifestyle impacts on fertility, promoting healthier dietary choices to improve outcomes. By exploring the roles of heavy metals, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions, the study provides a deeper understanding of infertility's underlying mechanisms. These insights pave the way for early detection of high-risk pregnancies, timely counselling, and the establishment of specialised clinics focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infertility. The study calls for a holistic approach, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions to address infertility effectively. Vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh congratulated the researchers and supervisors, praising the study's significance. He noted that such research underscored the relevance of academic and research institutions in society and enhanced public trust in these institutions.
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Indian Express
Low physical activity, tea/coffee intake, junk food behind infertility: Study
A recent study titled 'Association of Environmental Factors and Gene Polymorphism with Infertility in couples of Reproductive Age' has revealed critical insights into the complex interplay of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors contributing to infertility among couples. The research conducted by Dr Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Dr Rajinder Kaur from the Department of Human Genetics, Punjabi University, Patiala and and Dr Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and integrated approaches to address infertility, a growing concern affecting reproductive-age populations. Dr Mandeep Kaur said that the study identifies key epidemiological and environmental factors, including body mass index (BMI), duration of marriage, low physical activity, occupation, irregular dietary habits, tea/coffee intake, and junk food consumption, as significant contributors to infertility. 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), alongside cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), were associated with a higher risk of both primary and secondary infertility. She told that specifically, lower serum levels of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) were observed in women with infertility, while high copper levels correlated with elevated triglycerides. In men, increased chromium (Cr) and LDL cholesterol levels were linked to reduced semen quality, further elevating infertility risk. Dr Rajinder Kaur said that genetic analysis revealed that variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with increased infertility risk in both men and women, while the NR5A1 gene variant (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. She told the study also identified 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 significantly heightened infertility risk. Additionally, the research highlighted a significant correlation between infertility and elevated depression levels among women (p < 0.05), emphasising the need for psychological support in infertility management. Dr Kheterpal said that the findings advocate for greater public awareness of lifestyle impacts on fertility, promoting healthier dietary choices to improve outcomes. By exploring the roles of heavy metals, biochemical markers, and genetic predispositions, the study provides a deeper 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 focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of infertility. The study calls for a holistic approach, integrating medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions to address infertility effectively.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Alcohol, junk food increasing infertility risk, finds Punjabi varsity studies
A study conducted by Punjabi University, Patiala, has found a direct link between rising infertility rates and a combination of lifestyle habits, environmental exposures, and genetic factors. Women showed low iron and zinc levels, while in men, high chromium and LDL cholesterol levels were tied to decreased semen quality. The study, titled 'Association of environmental factors and gene polymorphism with infertility in couples of reproductive age', conducted by Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Rajinder Kaur from the department of human genetics, Punjabi University, and co-guided by Preeti Kheterpal from Central University, Bathinda, highlights how poor dietary patterns, lack of physical activity, and exposure to heavy metals are significantly increasing infertility risk among couples of reproductive ages. 'The research identified several risk factors contributing to infertility, including high body mass index (BMI), prolonged marriage duration without conception, sedentary lifestyle, and frequent consumption of junk and packaged foods. Excessive tea and coffee intake and occupational stress were also noted as significant contributors,' Mandeep Kaur said. The study examined serum levels of heavy metals and biochemical markers. Elevated levels of copper, cobalt, manganese, zinc, selenium, uranium, vanadium, and bismuth, as well as increased cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (bad cholesterol), were linked to infertility. Women showed low iron and zinc levels, while in men, high chromium and LDL cholesterol levels were tied to decreased semen quality. Genetics also play a crucial role Rajinder Kaur explained that variants in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR) (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were associated with higher infertility risk in both genders. 'Interestingly, a variant in the NR5A1 gene (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men. Moreover, gene-environment interactions further intensified the infertility risk. For instance, the presence of the MTHFR rs1801133 variant, when coupled with junk food intake (9.34%), canned food consumption (10.07%), alcohol use (6.32%), and low physical activity (4.64%), significantly worsened fertility outcomes,' she added. The study also brought attention to the psychological impact of infertility. Women experiencing infertility were found to have elevated levels of depression, underscoring the need for emotional and psychological support as part of fertility care. Kheterpal emphasised the importance of public awareness regarding the impact of lifestyle and environmental factors on fertility. She advocated for early screening, dietary corrections, and the creation of dedicated fertility clinics offering integrated medical, psychological, and lifestyle interventions. Punjabi University vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh said that such studies reinforce the vital role of academic institutions in addressing real-world health issues and enhancing public trust in science.
