‘Sperm-Friendly’ Diet and Lifestyle-New Research Highlights

A diet rich with fruits was found to improve the speed and agility of sperms. Including cereal grains (such as wheat, oats or barley) boost sperm concentration and motility. The quality of semen is maintained or improved by vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Alcohol and certain hormones in processed meat harm sperm. Obesity and smoking habit negatively impact the health of sperms.

Most of the previous works regarding fertility revolved around the reproductive problems in women. Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking, drinking were all linked with the reproductive health of women. The recent Brazilian study investigated the influence of the male partner’s lifestyle, including eating and social habits, on semen quality and fertility treatment. The study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility involved 250 men undergoing a type of fertility treatment called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). 

The frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, meat, fish, as well as how often one resorted to smoking and drinking were assessed using questionnaires. Semen samples were analyzed to know how healthy and well concentrated the participants’ sperms were.

Poor diet and drinking habits of men reduced sperm motility and lowered their partner’s chance of pregnancy. Being overweight and drinking alcohol were found to lower the concentration and motility of sperms. Smoking chiefly exerted its negative effect on sperm motility (i.e. how well the sperms swim). Excessive consumption of alcohol and coffee were found to lower the chance of fertilization. Embryo implantation rates and pregnancy rates plummeted when men ate lots of red meat.

Researchers also add that eating better for a few days before fertility treatments do not help. Modified diet and lifestyle takes months to fruit in terms of sperm improvement. The new research is an eye opener for couples undergoing fertility treatments, for it is now clear that not just women but men also need to stick on to healthy diet and lifestyle for a successful pregnancy.

Reference: Food intake and social habits in male patients and its relationship to intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes: Fertility and Sterility, November 10, 2011

Source-Medindia