PATIALA, Aug 4— A recent study by Punjabi University has flagged alarming links between modern lifestyle choices — such as junk food, alcohol, stress, and sedentary habits — and the rising incidence of infertility among couples of reproductive age.
The research, titled “Association of environmental factors and gene polymorphism with infertility in couples of reproductive age”, was led by Mandeep Kaur under the supervision of Rajinder Kaur from the university’s human genetics department, with Preeti Kheterpal from Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, as co-guide.
Among key findings were the frequent consumption of packaged and junk food, alcohol use, excess tea and coffee intake, and occupational stress, all significantly tied to infertility. Other red flags included high body mass index (BMI), prolonged attempts at conception, and lack of physical activity.
Heavy metals and cholesterol levels
Lab analyses showed elevated levels of heavy metals — including copper, cobalt, uranium, and vanadium — and biochemical markers like LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in infertile individuals.
- Women were more likely to have low iron and zinc levels.
- Men showed high chromium and LDL cholesterol levels, both tied to reduced semen quality.
Genetics a significant factor
The study also underlined a genetic component. Variants in the MTHFR gene (rs1801133 and rs1801131) were found to raise infertility risk across both sexes. Conversely, a variant in the NR5A1 gene (rs1110061) showed a protective effect in men.
The risk worsened when genetic susceptibility combined with lifestyle habits — such as junk food intake (9.34%), canned food consumption (10.07%), alcohol (6.32%), and low physical activity (4.64%) — creating a damaging gene-environment interaction.
Psychological toll and recommendations
The researchers also highlighted that women facing infertility were more likely to suffer from depression, reinforcing the need for mental health support alongside fertility care.
Calling for stronger public health intervention, Kheterpal stressed the importance of early screening, awareness drives, dietary reforms, and dedicated fertility clinics offering integrated medical, psychological, and lifestyle treatment plans.
Vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh lauded the study as a step towards building public trust in science and reaffirmed the role of academic research in solving real-world health challenges.
