Nutritional Factors Related to Male Fertility: Turkish Sample

This study aimed to investigate the difference between infertile men and healthy (normozoospermic) men in terms of demographic characteristics, dietary habits, anthropometric measurements, and body composition. We included 80 males (40 subfertile and 40 healthy normozoospermic) between the ages of 25 and 54 years. Information was obtained from the participants regarding their socio-demographic characteristics, health status, dietary habits, and food intake. Food frequency questionnaires, food records, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and sperm analysis were statistically evaluated using IBM SPSS Statistics 20 programme. The findings of this study showed that the mean BMI of the subfertile group was significantly higher than that of the normozoospermic group. The frequency of eating out was significantly higher in the subfertile group than in the normozoospermic group. It was also determined that the consumption of fish was significantly lower; in contrast, consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, and alcohol was significantly higher in the subfertile group than in the normozoospermic group. Moreover, it was found that sugar sweetened bevareges, red meat, organ meats consumption are negatively; and that fish, egg, nut consumption are positively correlated with sperm parameters. In summary, in men receiving infertility treatment, excessive consumption of meat and sugary drinks should be considered cautiously. However, fish, nuts and eggs consumption should be provided in line with the nutrition guidelines.