Mediterranean and western dietary patterns are related to markers of testicular function among healthy men

Abstract

This study was carried out on healthy and young men, so it is difficult to predict whether and how the observed differences in semen quality translate into reproductive success for men in couples trying to conceive. These results suggest that traditional Mediterranean diets may have a positive impact on male reproductive potential.

Self-reported mobile phone use and semen parameters among men from a fertility clinic

“…The etiology of poor semen quality is not well understood, but given that spermatogenesis is a sensitive physiological process, environmental factors may play a key role [1]. Heat stress [10], diet [11], physical activity [12], psychosocial stress [13], and exposure to chemicals, such as bisphenol A [14], phthalates [15], pesticides [16], and metals [17], have been explored as potential determinants of semen quality.…”

Diet and Semen Quality in Healthy Males From the Population of the Lower Silesia Region in Poland (The Androls Study)

“…No significant associations were found between the average daily consumption of protein, vitamins (A, β-carotene, B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 6 , B 12 , folic acid, C, D, E,), minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine), dietary fibre, caffeine and semen parameters (semen volume, consistency, total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm motility, rapid [a] and slow [b] progressive motility, immotility, vitality).…”

“…6,15 Examining the association between energy intake and semen quality in the male subjects a significant negative correlation was shown between the energy value of the diet and sperm concentration (10 6 /mL). High calorie intake can therefore negatively impact the sperm count.…”

“…3 There are reports in the literature of the adverse impact of certain dietary ingredients (carbohydrates, saturated fatty acid, trans fatty acid) on semen quality. [4][5][6] Other studies have demonstrated that specific nutritional factors can favourably affect semen quality (vitamin C, vitamin E, β-carotene). [7][8][9] To date, nutritional studies on semen quality in men have mostly focused on dietary patterns or food groups.…”

“…We analyzed the energy values and the contents of nutrients, minerals (sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine), vitamins (A, β-carotene, B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , B 6 , B 12 , folic acid, C, D, E), dietary fibre and water in the diets of the healthy men.…”