November 7, 2024 – Pesticide Exposure from Fruits and Vegetables May Lower Male Fertility in IVF Treatments
Couples undergoing fertility treatments may experience lower fertilization rates if the male partner consumes fruits and vegetables with high levels of pesticide residue, according to a study led by Jorge Chavarro, professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The findings, highlighted in an October 25 article by Healio, were presented by Chavarro at the 2024 Scientific Congress and Expo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
The study involved approximately 240 couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Researchers collected self-reported dietary data from the male partners to estimate their exposure to pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables. The analysis revealed that higher pesticide exposure was linked to lower fertilization rates.
“Our data suggest that dietary exposure to pesticide residues may significantly impact reproductive function, extending beyond previously documented effects on semen quality,” Chavarro explained during his presentation. “This indicates that pesticide levels deemed safe for human consumption by U.S. regulatory agencies might impair sperm’s ability to fertilize eggs.”
For more information, read the full Healio article: Fruit, vegetable pesticide exposure may impair sperm during IVF cycles.
– Jay Lau
Photo: iStock/vm