Infertility affects 15% of couples of reproductive age worldwide. Male factors, including poor semen quality, account for approximately 25% of these cases.
Many fertility clinics recommend simple lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, stress reduction, and reduced alcohol and caffeine consumption, in order to improve sperm quality.
Now, researchers from the Human Nutrition Unit of Spain's University of Rovira i Virgili, have carried out the first systematic review of all the scientific literature on the links between diet and male fertility.
The results of the study was published this month in the prestigious journal Scientific Human Reproduction Update, one of the most important scientific journals in the areas of human reproduction, gynaecology and obstetrics.
The researchers found that a healthy diet rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, some antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc), and a low intake of saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids are associated with an improvement in sperm quality.
Fish and shellfish, chicken, cereals, fruit and vegetables, and low-fat dairy products are also associated with better semen quality and sperm motility (movement).
Bad news for steak, coffee, and wine-loving men though; excessive consumption of red and processed meats, soy-rich foods, sweetened and sweetened drinks, certain whole dairy products, and alcohol and caffeine intake are associated with a decrease in sperm quality and lower conception rates.
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