Jan 24, 2026
3 min read
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Children of fathers over 40 at risk of developmental risk genes - Study
Scientists report that age-related changes in sperm DNA and RNA increase certain health risks for children of older fathers, including genetic, metabolic and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Children born to older fathers may have special health risks related to age-related changes in semen.
Experts typically define "advanced paternal age" as the late 30s and early 40s, especially after age 40. As men age, their sperm continue to divide, increasing the risk of genetic copying errors and the gradual accumulation of mutations.
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As a result, children of older fathers are at greater risk of stillbirth, low birth weight, genetic disorders, birth defects, and neurodevelopmental or psychiatric disorders. Some studies also show a slightly increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders in children.
A new study by scientists at the University of Utah Health and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, published in The EMBO Journal, sheds light on why these risks increase as fathers age.
The researchers found that small RNAs in sperm - molecules that help regulate gene activity - change in different patterns as men age.
Using a special technique known as PANDORA-seq, they observed that sperm RNA changes slowly over time and then changes more drastically at a certain point, which they describe as "the aging clock".
Interestingly, some of the small RNAs behaved unexpectedly.Instead of aging, as DNA often does, some RNAs lengthened over time, suggesting they could serve as a unique marker of sperm aging.
To test the effects of these changes, the team injected RNA from old sperm into embryonic stem cells that model early embryonic development.The cells showed altered gene activity, especially in pathways related to metabolism and neural development.This points to a possible mechanism by which paternal age may influence the child's risk of obesity or neurological conditions.
"This discovery provides a new molecular clue to understanding reproductive health. It emphasizes that paternal age affects not only DNA but also RNA - another layer of genetic regulation.
Research shows that as men age, the number of DNA mutations in sperm tends to increase.
While some of these mutations are harmless, others can interfere with the development of the embryo.For this reason, children of older fathers are statistically at slightly higher risk for these health consequences."
DNA acts as the body's instruction manual, controlling growth, development and overall health.Mutations are changes or errors in these instructions and can occur naturally in sperm over time due to continuous cell division.
The World Health Organization notes that natural DNA mutations cannot be completely prevented, some steps can reduce the risk and protect the child's health.Maintaining a healthy lifestyle before birth can improve sperm quality.
Avoid smoking, drinking too much alcohol and using recreational drugs;eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants;maintain a healthy weight;and regular exercise can help reduce sperm damage.Medical checkups and routine care are also important.
Couples planning a pregnancy may benefit from counseling with a genetic counselor, especially if the father is older.
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Pre-testing can help identify conditions that affect sperm quality.In some cases, assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF with genetic testing of embryos can reduce the risk of harmful mutations.
While the decision about when to have children is a personal one, research shows that risk increases gradually with age, especially after age 40, as mutations accumulate over time.
Maternal health and prenatal care also play an important role, as proper nutrition, avoiding toxins and regular monitoring contribute to the healthy development of the fetus.
Children born to older parents have a slightly higher risk of developing certain conditions, including genetic diseases that affect growth or body structure, neurodevelopmental or mental health problems such as autism, ADHD or schizophrenia, metabolic problems such as obesity, and an increased likelihood of some types of childhood cancer.
The effects are very different.Some conditions may require surgery or long-term medical care, while others, such as learning or behavioral problems, can be improved with early intervention, therapy, or special education.
Obesity and metabolic problems can often be managed by living a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups.
Despite the increased risk, most children of older parents are healthy.Careful planning, medical guidance, and maintaining good health before conception can help minimize potential risks and provide positive outcomes for the family.
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