Association Between Dietary Polyphenol Intake and Semen Quality: Insights from the FERTINUTS Study

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology and nutrition science.
• Investigating the impact of dietary components on male reproductive health.

Background:

• Male infertility and low semen quality are significant global health concerns.
• Nutritional factors, especially polyphenols, are increasingly recognized for their role in male reproductive outcomes.
• Optimizing dietary intake is crucial for male fertility strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between different polyphenol classes and semen quality indicators in young males.
• To understand the nuanced effects of dietary polyphenols on sperm parameters.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of 106 healthy males (aged 18-35) from the FERTINUTS trial.
• Dietary intake assessed via 3-day records; semen quality parameters analyzed.
• Multivariable linear regression used to evaluate polyphenol-semen quality associations.

Main Results:

• Higher total polyphenol intake linked to fewer sperm head abnormalities but more principal piece abnormalities.
• Flavonoid intake correlated with improved normal sperm forms and head morphology.
• Lignan intake showed similar dual effects on sperm morphology.
• Stilbene intake associated with increased combined sperm abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• Polyphenols, particularly flavonoids and lignans, have complex effects on sperm morphology, improving head structure but potentially increasing tail abnormalities.
• No significant associations found between polyphenol intake and sperm motility or vitality.
• Further research is essential to clarify the impact of these morphological changes on fertilization and reproductive potential, considering specific polyphenol types and dosages.