Nutrient patterns and asthenozoospermia: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Nutritional Science
• Men's Health

Background:

• The relationship between dietary nutrient patterns and sperm motility remains poorly understood, with prior research focusing on individual nutrients.
• Asthenozoospermia, characterized by reduced sperm motility, is a significant factor in male infertility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dietary nutrient patterns and asthenozoospermia in Iranian men.
• To identify specific dietary patterns linked to sperm quality.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 107 men with asthenozoospermia and 235 age-matched controls in Tehran, Iran.
• Nutrient patterns were determined using principal component analysis on food frequency questionnaire data.
• Semen quality was assessed according to WHO guidelines.

Main Results:

• Three distinct dietary patterns were identified.
• The primary pattern, rich in antioxidants (Vitamin E, D, C, zinc, folate, selenium) and polyunsaturated fatty acids, was significantly associated with a lower risk of asthenozoospermia.
• Men in the highest tertile of this antioxidant-rich pattern had a 51% reduced risk of asthenozoospermia compared to those in the lowest tertile (p-trend: .004).

Conclusions:

• Adherence to a dietary pattern rich in antioxidant nutrients is inversely associated with asthenozoospermia.
• Dietary interventions focusing on antioxidant-rich foods may offer a strategy for improving sperm quality and male fertility.