Show Notes
Episode Summary: Ultra-processed foods — or UPFs — have become one of the biggest nutrition talking points in recent years. They’re often linked with obesity, inflammation, metabolic disease, and poorer long-term health outcomes. But what does the evidence actually say about sperm health and male fertility? In Episode 19, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down what ultra-processed foods actually are, how they’re classified under the NOVA system, and why the conversation around them has become increasingly polarised online. We explore the current fertility evidence linking dietary patterns high in ultra-processed foods with poorer semen parameters, including lower sperm concentration and motility, while also discussing the important limitations of the research and why observational studies can only tell us so much. The episode also examines newer intervention research attempting to isolate whether the degree of food processing itself may influence metabolic and reproductive health, even when calories and macronutrients are similar. Importantly, this episode avoids the “all processed food is toxic” narrative and instead focuses on nuance, context, and the broader dietary patterns that appear to support better long-term metabolic and reproductive health.
What You’ll Learn: What ultra-processed foods actually are How the NOVA food classification system works Why not all UPFs are nutritionally equivalent How dietary patterns high in UPFs may influence sperm health What the current semen quality research shows The limitations of observational nutrition research Why overall dietary pattern likely matters more than individual foods How UPFs may influence the broader environment sperm develop within
Key Takeaways: Not all processed foods are the same UPFs are a broad category that can include foods with very different nutritional profiles Higher ultra-processed food intake is associated with poorer semen parameters in several observational studies Dietary patterns high in UPFs are often linked with poorer metabolic health overall The broader dietary pattern and lifestyle context likely matter more than one single food The current evidence does not support panic or perfection More minimally processed, nutrient-dense dietary patterns appear more supportive of sperm and metabolic health over time Links and Resources:Website: www.axisdietetics.comInstagram: @axisdietetics Read the accompanying article: Ultra-Processed Foods and Male Fertility: Beyond the Hype: https://www.axisdietetics.com/ultra-processed-foods-and-male-fertility-beyond-the-hype Disclaimer:This podcast is intended for general information only and should not replace personalised medical, nutrition, or healthcare advice.
More from The Men's Fertility Nutrition Podcast
Episode 19: What Actually Moves the Needle for Male Fertility? Episode Description In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy looks at what actually moves the needle for male fertility — and why some factors deserve far more attention than others. Using a simple fertility pyramid, this episode explores how major disruptors, everyday lifestyle foundations, medical and clinical factors, and more targeted strategies such as supplements fit into the bigger picture. Rather than trying to optimise everything at once, the focus is on identifying the factors most likely to influence sperm health in your individual situation — and tackling them in the right order. Because when it comes to male fertility, the goal isn’t to do everything. It’s to focus on leverage before optimisation. What You’ll Learn Which factors can have the greatest impact on male reproductive health Why smoking, metabolic dysfunction and anabolic steroid or testosterone use can be major disruptors How diet, sleep, physical activity and alcohol fit into the foundations of sperm health Why medical issues such as varicocele, hormonal dysfunction and underlying health conditions shouldn’t be overlooked Where supplements and advanced testing fit into the bigger picture How to prioritise fertility changes without trying to optimise everything at once
Episode Summary:Weight loss is one of the most common recommendations men hear when fertility becomes a concern. But the relationship between body weight, metabolic health, and sperm quality is more complex than many people realise. In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explores how excess body fat can influence hormones, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, sleep, and the environment sperm develop within over time. We also discuss why body weight alone does not tell the full story, and why metabolic health may matter more than the number on the scale itself. The episode breaks down what the current evidence actually shows, including intervention studies where weight loss has been associated with improvements in sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, and other fertility markers in some men with obesity. We also explore why two men of the same size can have very different fertility profiles, why sustainable lifestyle change matters more than extreme dieting, and how broader improvements in health and lifestyle may help create a better environment for sperm production over time. Finally, the episode looks at practical ways men can begin improving body composition and metabolic health without overcomplicating the process, while keeping the roughly 12-week sperm development window in mind. What You’ll Learn: How excess body fat may influence sperm health and reproductive hormones Why metabolic health matters more than body weight alone What the research actually shows about weight loss and sperm quality Why two men of the same weight can have very different fertility outcomes The risks of crash dieting and unsustainable approaches Practical strategies to support both metabolic health and sperm production Key Takeaways: Weight loss may improve sperm health in some men, particularly when excess body fat and poor metabolic health are contributing factors The benefits are likely driven by broader improvements in metabolic health, not just the number on the scale Sustainable lifestyle change matters more than rapid transformation Sleep, fitness, nutrition, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation all play a role in sperm production Fertility tends to reward consistency rather than extremes Practical Tips: Focus on improving overall metabolic health, not just losing weight Build meals around whole foods and adequate protein Include both resistance training and cardiovascular activity Prioritise sleep consistency and recovery Avoid crash dieting or overly aggressive approaches Think in terms of the full 12-week sperm development window Links: Website: www.axisdietetics.comInstagram: @axisdietetics Related Article:https://www.axisdietetics.com/blog/can-weight-loss-improve-male-fertility-what-the-evidence-shows-about-sperm-health Disclaimer:This podcast is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or personalised nutrition advice. Always speak with your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, exercise, supplements, or fertility treatment plan.
Episode Summary: In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explores one of the most commonly discussed nutrients in male fertility nutrition — omega-3. We break down why omega-3 gained so much attention in sperm health research, what the evidence actually shows, and why the conversation is often more nuanced than supplement marketing suggests. The episode explores both food-based and supplement-based approaches, including the role of oily fish, walnuts, and Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, as well as the limitations of the current research on fish oil supplementation and fertility outcomes.
Episode Summary: Nutrition advice for male fertility often focuses on supplements, superfoods, or extreme diet changes. But what does a fertility-supportive diet actually look like across a normal day? In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down the practical foundations of a diet that may help support sperm health over time. Rather than chasing perfection, the focus is on building a consistent dietary pattern that supports the environment sperm develop within across the 12 week sperm development window. We explore the common pattern many men fall into — where one decent dinner is trying to compensate for a fairly average day of eating — and what tends to work better in practice.
Episode Summary Zinc is one of the most common ingredients in male fertility supplements. But more zinc does not automatically mean better sperm. In this episode, Alex explores why zinc matters for male reproductive health, where it genuinely plays a role, and why the evidence for routine supplementation is less convincing than many people assume. You’ll learn how zinc contributes to sperm production, antioxidant defence, and DNA processes, along with the difference between correcting a deficiency and supplementing an already adequate system. The episode also explains why testing zinc status has limitations, and why broader diet quality often matters more than chasing one nutrient. What You’ll Learn Why zinc is important for sperm production How zinc supports reproductive biology What observational studies have shown What higher-quality trials found about supplementation Why correcting deficiency differs from taking more “just in case” Why zinc blood tests have limitations How zinc fits into a food-first fertility approach Key Takeaways Zinc is essential for normal sperm production Low zinc intake or status may contribute to poorer sperm health Correcting deficiency may help, but extra zinc is not a reliable fertility booster Large trials have not shown consistent improvements in semen parameters or fertility outcomes Zinc works within a broader nutritional system, not in isolation Food quality and adequate overall intake remain the priority Who This Episode Is For Men taking fertility supplements containing zinc Men wondering whether they should supplement zinc Couples preparing for conception Anyone wanting a realistic evidence-based take on nutrients for sperm health What’s Next Next episode: Fertility Diet for Men — what a practical, sperm-supportive eating pattern actually looks like day to day. Disclaimer This podcast is for general education only and does not replace personalised medical or nutrition advice. Please discuss your own circumstances with a qualified healthcare professional. Links www.axisdietetics.com