Time-restricted eating causes disorders in sperm and eggs

Biologists from the University of East Anglia analyzed the effects of time-restricted eating -

one of the types of intermittent fasting - onfertility. A study in fish showed negative effects on sperm and eggs that persisted for some time after returning to normal eating.

The researchers used zebrafish inas a model organism to analyze the changes that can occur in people who adhere to intermittent fasting. They measured how males and females redistribute limited resources between the normal functioning of the body, the production of germ cells and the creation of offspring.

The analysis showed that female fish after returning tonormal nutrition "redistribute" resources in the direction of somatic growth (changes in the size of the body), while reducing the quality of eggs. In particular, the growth of fins was accompanied by a decrease in the 24-hour survival rate of offspring after fertilization. In males exposed to a similar effect, there was a decrease in the speed of spermatozoa and a decrease in the survival of the offspring 24 hours after fertilization.

These results highlight the importance of consideringnot only the effect of fasting on the maintenance of the body, but also on the production of eggs and sperm. It is important to note that some negative effects on oocytes and sperm quality can be observed after animals have returned to normal levels of food intake after time-restricted feeding.

Edward Ivimy-Cook, study co-author

Time-restricted eating is a diet thatwhich people limit their food intake to certain hours of the day. Previous research has shown that fasting increases lifespan in invertebrates and improves biomarkers of health in vertebrates. In addition, this approach is becoming increasingly popular among people.

The researchers note that so far they have studiedthe effect of fasting is mainly only on weight and health, but not on fertility. New data show possible negative effects, and more analysis is needed to understand how long it takes for sperm and egg quality to return to normal after fasting.

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