The PLoS ONE has published a recent research stating that exposure to higher levels of fatty acids, usually found in the ovaries of obese women as well as those with Type II diabetes, may affect the embryo development.

The lead study author, Professor Jo Leroy from the University of Antwerp, claimed that cows can be induced with similar metabolic disorders leading to reduced fertility and therefore marked bovine eggs as well suited model for human reproductive research.

During the study course, researchers used eggs from cows to understand why women suffering from metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes struggle to conceive.

While explaining the findings, the Co-researcher, Dr. Roger Sturmey, from the University of Hull and Hull York Medical School, anticipated that the findings will add weight to the public health recommendations.

"The most viable embryos, those most likely to result in a successful pregnancy, have a 'quieter', less active metabolism, particularly in relation to amino acids”, added Dr. Sturmey. "Where eggs were exposed to high levels of fatty acids, the resulting embryos showed increased amino acid metabolism and altered consumption of oxygen, glucose and lactate – all of which indicates impaired metabolic regulation and reduced viability”.