Ultra-processed food intake not significantly tied to infertility risk, meta-analysis findsUltra-Processed Foods May Raise Infertility Risk, But Evidence Weak

Frontiers in Medicine Published August 17, 2026 DOI ↗ Editorial oversight: Dr. Sofia Müller, MD · Lifespan & Whole-Person Care

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Key Takeaway

Interpret the lack of significant association cautiously; UPF intake may not strongly influence infertility risk.

This meta-analysis evaluated the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, classified by the NOVA system, and infertility risk. The analysis included 8,769 adults (8,118 women and 651 men) from a small number of studies. The primary outcome was infertility risk, with no secondary outcomes reported.

Overall, higher UPF consumption was not significantly associated with infertility risk, although the point estimate suggested a positive direction of association (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.94–1.69). Among women, the association was also not significant (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.79–2.00). No data were reported for men separately.

The authors note substantial heterogeneity (I² = 72.0%, p = 0.006) and a limited number of studies, which reduce confidence in the findings. Outcomes were self-reported, and causality cannot be established from this observational evidence.

Given the low certainty, clinicians should interpret these results cautiously. The association is not statistically robust, and further research is needed to clarify any potential link between UPF consumption and infertility.

How this fits prior evidence

This meta-analysis adds to prior coverage on infertility risk factors. It extends the discussion beyond clinical predictors like testosterone and BMI in PCOS and fertility treatment outcomes, addressing a dietary exposure. The finding of no significant association contrasts with the modest melanoma risk increase seen with fertility treatments, suggesting that UPF consumption may not be a strong independent risk factor. However, the positive trend and low certainty highlight the need for more robust studies, similar to the inconclusive evidence noted for fertility treatments and melanoma risk.

A new meta-analysis looked at whether eating lots of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is linked to infertility. UPFs include things like sugary drinks, packaged snacks, and fast food. The study combined results from several earlier studies, including over 8,700 adults, mostly women.

The overall results showed a trend: people who ate more UPFs had a 26% higher risk of infertility, but this finding was not statistically significant. This means the increase could be due to chance. When looking at women only, the same trend appeared, but again it wasn't significant.

The researchers noted that the evidence is weak because there were only a few studies, and they varied a lot in their results. Also, the studies relied on people remembering what they ate, which can be inaccurate.

It's important to understand that this study does not prove that UPFs cause infertility. It only shows a possible association. More research is needed to confirm this link and to understand how UPFs might affect fertility.

For now, it's still a good idea to limit ultra-processed foods for overall health, but this study alone shouldn't cause alarm about fertility.

What this means for you:

Eating more ultra-processed foods may be linked to higher infertility risk, but the evidence is not strong enough to prove a cause.

Common questions

Does eating processed food cause infertility?

The study found a slight trend suggesting a possible link, but it was not statistically significant. This means the data is not strong enough to prove that ultra-processed foods cause infertility. Because the evidence comes from a small number of studies with high variation, we cannot say for certain how these foods affect your ability to have children.

Was there a specific difference for women?

The researchers looked specifically at 8,118 women. They found no significant association between ultra-processed food consumption and infertility risk in this group. While the data showed a slight positive trend, it was not enough to establish a clear link.

How reliable are these findings?

The evidence is currently considered to have low certainty. This is because the analysis relied on only a few studies and used self-reported data from participants. There was also a lot of variation between the different studies included in the analysis, making it hard to draw firm conclusions.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedAug 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

BackgroundUltra-processed foods (UPFs) have been linked to multiple adverse health outcomes; however, their association with infertility remains unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between UPF consumption and infertility risk in adults.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 31, 2026. Eligible studies assessed UPF intake using validated dietary assessment tools based on the NOVA classification and reported infertility outcomes among adults aged ≥18 years. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale and the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic.ResultsFour studies providing five independent effect estimates and including 8,769 participants (8,118 women and 651 men) were included. In the random-effects model, higher UPF consumption was not significantly associated with infertility risk (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.94–1.69), although the point estimate suggested a positive direction of association. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was present (I2 = 72.0%, p = 0.006). In sex-stratified analyses, no significant association was observed among women (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.79–2.00; I2 = 68.4%). Subgroup analyses by study design and exposure assessment yielded no statistically significant associations under random-effects models.ConclusionCurrent evidence does not show a statistically robust association between UPF consumption and infertility under random-effects models, although estimates consistently suggest a positive trend. Evidence remains limited by few studies, substantial heterogeneity, and self-reported outcomes. Larger prospective, sex-specific studies are needed.

Ultra-processed food intake not significantly tied to infertility risk, meta-analysis findsUltra-Processed Foods May Raise Infertility Risk, But Evidence Weak

How this fits prior evidence

Common questions

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Ultra-processed food intake not significantly tied to infertility risk, meta-analysis findsUltra-Processed Foods May Raise Infertility Risk, But Evidence Weak

How this fits prior evidence

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