Diet and its impact on male fertility has long been discussed and debated among scientific, medical and health professionals. I first started to look at the link between what we eat and fertility, in men and women, whilst studying for my MSc. The research has been steadily growing over the years and it seems likely that diet does impact fertility.
A group of Spanish researchers have published two (1,2) studies this year which look at the link between diet and semen quality in men. The studies seem to suggest that dietary antioxidant nutrients play a key role in the prevention of damage to sperm.
I have written about dietary antioxidants in many previous blog posts. They have been linked to a reduction in the risk of many conditions raging from cancer to heart disease, dementia and arthritis. One of the reasons why fruit and vegetables are so important in our diets is because they provide many antioxidant nutrients, such as vitamins C and E and various antioxidant bioflavonoids (bioactive plant chemicals).
Anitoxidants help to prevent damage to cells in our body (including sperm cells) by mopping-up destructive unstable oxygen molecules known as ‘free radicals’, these free radicals create what is known as oxidative stress in the body. There is mounting evidence that these destructive molecules, together with lowered bodily antioxidant defences, play a significant role in the development and aggravation of many diseases and health problems. The body does produce its own antioxidants but also relies on vitamins, mineral and phytochemicals (bioactive plant chemical) from the diet, especially from colourful vegetables and fruits, for additional valuable supplies.
In the first research study (1) the authors found that men who ate large amounts of meat (especially processed meat) and full fat dairy products had poorer quality sperm than those who ate more fruit, vegetables and reduced fat dairy products. The study was a case-control study in which 30 men with poor semen quality (cases) were compared to 31 men with normal sperm quality (controls). The investigators recorded the dietary habits and food consumption of the men using a specialised food frequency questionnaire. The authors conclude that “Frequent intake of [lipophilic] foods like meat products or milk may negatively affect semen quality in humans, whereas some fruits or vegetables may maintain or improve semen quality”. This study points towards associations between diet and fertility. It is certainly plausible that a healthy diet and lifestyle can impact upon the health of semen.
The second study(2) published by the same group of scientists this year was set up in order to compare the specific nutrient intakes between 30 men with normal sperm quality and 31 men with poor sperm quality. Dietary habits and nutrient consumption were recorded using a food frequency questionnaire. The analysis found that control subjects, the men with normal sperm quality, had a significantly higher intake of carbohydrates, fibre, folate, vitamin C, and lycopene and lower intakes of proteins and total fat than men with poor sperm quality. The authors conclude that “A low intake of antioxidant nutrients was associated with a poor semen quality in this case-control study of Spanish men attending infertility clinics”.
Vegetables and fruits are full of antioxidant nutrients and flavonoids which may well be protecting the sperm from damage. The lead author of the paper, Jamie Mendiola, said in a press release(3): “In this study, we have found that people who consume more fruits and vegetables are ingesting more antioxidants, and this is the important point“, “We saw that, among the couples with fertility problems coming to the clinic, the men with good semen quality ate more vegetables and fruit (more vitamins, folic acid and fibre and less proteins and fats) than those men with low seminal quality“. “A healthy diet is not only a good way of avoiding illness, but could also have an impact on improving seminal quality. What we still do not understand is the difference between taking these vitamins naturally and in the form of supplements”.
The authors are going to continue researching this topic in another study and are particularly going to investigate the role that supplements may have on sperm quality. Obviously I am a great advocate of healthy eating and the basis of any healthy diet is an abundance of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats from nuts/seeds/oily fish, protein from unprocessed lean meats, pulses, beans and unprocessed/unrefined wholegrain carbohydrates. For individuals who feel they often lack the five or more recommended portions of vegetables and fruits daily may wish to consider taking a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement in order to provide for any nutrient shortfalls, however supplements should never be seen as an alternative to healthy living
(1)Mendiola J et al. 2009. Food intake and its relationship with semen quality: a case-control study. Fertil Steril. 91:812-818
(2)Mendiola et al. A low intake of antioxidant nutrients is associated with poor semen quality in patients attending fertility clinics. Fertility and Sterility, May 2009; DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.10.075
(3)Plataforma SINC (2009, June 3). Semen Quality May Depend Upon Antioxidants In Man’s Diet. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 4, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2009/06/090602083727.htm
Written by Ani Kowal
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