Junk food, alcohol & lack of physical activity linked to infertility, says Patiala-based Punjabi University's study
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.
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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.
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