The research, spearheaded by Jessica M. Preston and her team, including Romain Barrès, has been released in the Cell Metabolism journal. It presents a randomized controlled dietary trial utilizing a 2×2 crossover design.
The researchers aimed to investigate whether ultra-processed food impacts male reproductive capacity and metabolism, regardless of overall caloric consumption. The study focused on 43 men, aged between 20 and 35, who participated in a carefully structured intervention. For three weeks, the participants consumed exclusively ultra-processed food.
Subsequently, they transitioned to three weeks of unprocessed food. The primary results revealed significant changes. Participants experienced increased body weight alongside a deterioration in their lipid profile.
Specifically, there was a marked rise in the LDL cholesterol ratio, often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” relative to HDL cholesterol. These alterations occurred independently of any changes in calorie intake. Furthermore, the research identified hormonal shifts.
Measurements indicated decreased levels of growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and follicle-stimulating hormone, offering valuable insights into the potential effects of the food consumed.
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