Food intake and its relationship with semen quality: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Nutritional Science
• Andrology

Background:

• Semen quality is crucial for male fertility.
• Dietary patterns are increasingly recognized as a factor influencing reproductive health.
• Understanding the relationship between diet and semen parameters is essential for fertility management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the dietary habits of men with normospermic semen parameters versus those with oligoasthenoteratospermia.
• To identify specific food groups or nutrients associated with poor semen quality.

Main Methods:

• An observational, analytical case-control study was conducted.
• Dietary habits were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire in men attending fertility clinics.
• Semen parameters, hormone levels, and genetic factors were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Men with poor semen quality (oligoasthenoteratospermia) showed a higher intake of yogurt, meat products, and potatoes.
• Conversely, normospermic individuals consumed more skimmed milk, shellfish, tomatoes, and lettuce.
• Logistic regression indicated lower intake of lettuce, tomatoes, and certain fruits, with higher intake of dairy and processed meat products in cases.

Conclusions:

• Frequent consumption of lipophilic foods, such as meat products and dairy, may adversely affect human semen quality.
• Conversely, regular intake of fruits and vegetables might help maintain or enhance semen quality.
• Dietary modifications, emphasizing fruits and vegetables, could be a potential strategy to improve male fertility.