Semen Quality Dependant on Antioxidants in Man’s Diet

The facts:

• This study investigated the effects of nutrient intake on sperm quality in Spanish men attending private fertility clinics.
• Thirty men with poor sperm quality and 31 men with normal sperm quality had their dietary habits and nutrient consumption compared.
• Men with normal sperm quality were found to eat a lot more antioxidant nutrients and less protein and fat than men with poor semen quality.

Dr Shaun Holt:

With declining fertility rates, one theory has been that diet may be partly responsible and this small study adds weight to that theory, finding that low antioxidant intake is associated with low reproductive capacity in semen. Spanish researchers working at infertility centres said:

“A healthy diet is not only a good way of avoiding illness, but could also have an impact on improving seminal quality. What we still do not understand is the difference between taking these vitamins naturally and in the form of supplements. In the studies we are going to carry out in the United States (where the consumption of vitamins in tablet form is very common) we will be looking at the role of supplements”

For further information on the study: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.10.075

Author: Dr Shaun Holt is a GP and medical research specialist, he is the Author of Natural Remedies That Really Work: a New Zealand Guide and appears regularly on TVNZ’s Breakfast. Check out www.naturalhealthreview.org for further studies and information.