Question

Why has an energy deficiency been considered a central cause of infertility for both male and female and what examples support this notion?

Answer 1

Energy metabolism and reproduction are quite connected and regulated most often.

In females, there are all kinds of mechanisms, hormonal, nutritional, environmental and favourable energetic conditions, which are required for reproduction. Also in food scarcity areas or poor environmental conditions, these mechanisms are necessary. But worldwide, their deficiencies are causing infertility in females. Less availability of nutrients leads to less energy expenditure in poor living conditions, which results in impairment of metabolic activities and pathways to reproduction. During gonadal development, puberty, ovulation, hormones, pregnancy and lactation, all require proper amount of energy, thus the connection is to be maintained at all levels. Imbalance in maintenance of energy efficient processes can result in female infertility. Also in males, lack of full comprehensive use of nutrients and lack of metabolic activities can lead to distruption of reproductive pathways and can result in various cardiovascular and reproductive diseases.

For the support of this notion, you can thoroughly read two research paper :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772050/?report=classic

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2018/8285793/

Both the articles are a worth read.