Research shows that fathers’ diet can change how genes are marked in developing embryos before pregnancy even begins. A 2026 study in sheep found that males receiving methionine supplementation produced embryos with 842 genetic changes, mostly increased DNA methylation patterns. According to Gram Research analysis, when scientists turned off one affected gene, embryo development decreased by 18%, suggesting these paternal dietary effects influence early development. While this research is preliminary and conducted in animals, it indicates that fathers’ nutrition may be just as important as mothers’ nutrition for healthy fetal development.
A new study shows that what fathers eat can change how their babies’ genes work, even before pregnancy happens. Researchers gave some male sheep extra methionine (a building block found in protein) and found it changed DNA patterns in embryos. According to Gram Research analysis, these changes affected hundreds of genetic locations and may influence how embryos develop. The findings suggest that fathers’ nutrition matters just as much as mothers’ nutrition for healthy baby development, opening new questions about how parental diet shapes our health from the very beginning.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article in Epigenomes found that paternal methionine supplementation created 842 differentially methylated locations in sheep embryos, with 835 showing increased DNA methylation compared to control embryos.
When researchers knocked down the SSU72 gene (which had multiple methylation changes from paternal methionine supplementation) in sheep embryos, blastocyst formation rates decreased by an average of 18%, suggesting these genetic changes affect early development.
Of 842 genetic changes caused by paternal methionine supplementation in sheep embryos, only 8 overlapped with previously identified changes from maternal methionine supplementation, indicating mothers and fathers influence embryonic genes through different mechanisms.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether extra methionine in a father’s diet changes how genes are marked in developing embryos
- Who participated: Four male sheep (two given extra methionine, two without) and twelve female sheep; embryos were collected and analyzed
- Key finding: Fathers who received methionine supplementation produced embryos with 842 genetic changes, mostly increased DNA methylation (a type of genetic marking that controls which genes turn on or off)
- What it means for you: This research suggests fathers should pay attention to their nutrition, not just mothers. However, this is early-stage research in sheep, so more studies are needed before applying findings to humans
The Research Details
Scientists studied four male sheep—two received extra methionine (an amino acid found in meat, eggs, and dairy) while two received normal feed. These males were bred with twelve female sheep. After mating, researchers collected the developing embryos and examined their DNA using advanced genetic sequencing technology called whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. This technique reveals exactly where and how DNA is chemically marked in ways that control gene activity. The researchers compared embryos from supplemented fathers to embryos from control fathers to identify differences in these genetic markings.
Most research on how parental diet affects babies has focused on mothers. This study is important because it shows fathers’ nutrition also matters. By studying this in sheep embryos before pregnancy is even established, researchers can see how diet changes DNA marking patterns at the earliest stages of development, which is harder to study in humans.
This is a controlled laboratory study with a small sample size (four males), which is typical for this type of genetic research. The researchers used advanced sequencing technology that provides detailed genetic information. However, because the study was done in sheep rather than humans, results may not directly apply to people. The small number of animals means findings should be confirmed in larger studies before drawing strong conclusions.
What the Results Show
Researchers found 842 locations in the embryo’s DNA where genetic markings differed between the two groups. Of these, 835 showed increased marking (called hypermethylation) in embryos from fathers who received methionine, while only 7 showed decreased marking. Most of these changes occurred in regions between genes rather than in the genes themselves. When scientists looked at whether mothers’ methionine supplementation (from previous research) created similar changes, they found only 8 overlapping locations, suggesting fathers and mothers affect embryonic genes through different pathways.
To understand whether these genetic changes actually matter, researchers focused on one gene called SSU72 that had multiple genetic markings. When they turned off this gene in embryos, blastocyst formation (an early stage of embryo development) decreased by an average of 18%. This suggests that at least some of the genetic changes caused by paternal methionine supplementation affect genes important for early development.
Previous studies showed that mothers’ diet changes embryonic gene marking patterns. This research extends that finding to fathers, suggesting both parents’ nutrition influences early development. The fact that only 8 genetic locations overlapped between maternal and paternal methionine effects indicates that mothers and fathers influence embryos through different genetic mechanisms.
The study used only four male sheep, which is a very small sample size. Results are from sheep embryos, not human embryos, so findings may not directly apply to people. The research only examined one nutrient (methionine) and one breed of sheep. Additionally, the study looked at embryos before pregnancy was established, so it’s unclear whether these genetic changes persist and affect actual offspring health and development.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, fathers should maintain adequate protein intake (which contains methionine) as part of a balanced diet. However, this is preliminary research in animals, so specific supplementation recommendations for humans cannot yet be made. More research in humans is needed before changing dietary practices. Moderate confidence: This finding is interesting but requires human studies for practical application.
This research is most relevant to couples planning pregnancy, nutritionists, and reproductive health researchers. Men interested in optimizing their health before fatherhood may find this interesting, though the practical implications remain unclear. This study should not change current medical practice until human studies confirm the findings.
This research examined genetic changes at the embryo stage, which occurs within days of conception. If similar effects occur in humans, changes would happen very early in pregnancy. However, it’s unknown how long these genetic changes persist or whether they affect actual health outcomes in born children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a father’s diet affect his baby’s genes before pregnancy?
Yes, according to a 2026 sheep study, paternal methionine supplementation altered 842 genetic locations in embryos. While this research is preliminary, it suggests fathers’ nutrition influences early embryonic development through DNA methylation changes.
What is methionine and why does it matter for fathers?
Methionine is an amino acid found in protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. Research suggests it influences how genes are marked in developing embryos, potentially affecting early development, though human studies are still needed.
Should men take methionine supplements before trying to have a baby?
This study doesn’t yet support specific supplementation recommendations for men. While the research is interesting, it was conducted in sheep and is preliminary. Consult a doctor before starting any supplements, as more human research is needed.
How does paternal diet differ from maternal diet in affecting babies?
A 2026 study found that paternal and maternal methionine supplementation affected different genetic locations in embryos—only 8 overlapped. This suggests mothers and fathers influence embryonic development through distinct biological pathways.
What should men eat to support healthy sperm and embryo development?
Maintain adequate protein intake (0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight daily) from varied sources including meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, and nuts. A balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, and vegetables supports overall reproductive health.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily protein intake (in grams) for men planning to become fathers, aiming for 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight daily, noting sources of methionine-rich foods (meat, eggs, dairy, nuts)
- Encourage men to log meals containing methionine-rich proteins daily and set reminders to maintain consistent protein intake across the week, with the app providing education about which foods are rich in this amino acid
- Create a 12-week pre-conception nutrition tracking dashboard showing protein intake consistency, food variety, and overall dietary balance, allowing men to monitor their nutritional status before attempting conception
This research was conducted in sheep embryos and represents early-stage findings. Results have not been confirmed in humans and should not be used to guide personal medical decisions. Men should not begin methionine supplementation or change their diet based solely on this study without consulting a healthcare provider. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a physician or registered dietitian before making dietary changes related to fertility or pregnancy planning.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.