Study links saturated fats to lower sperm count
January 8, 2013, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SATURATED fats, like those found in rich cheeses and meats, may lead to dwindling sperm counts in men.
Researchers, whose report appeared in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that young Danish men who ate the most saturated fats had a 38 percent lower concentration of sperm, and 41 percent lower sperm counts in their semen, than those who ate the least fat.
"We cannot say that it has a causal effect, but I think other studies have shown that saturated fat intake has shown a connection to other problems and now also for sperm count," said Tina Jensen, the study's lead author from Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.
The research is not the first to connect diet and other lifestyle factors to sperm production and quality. In 2011, Brazilian researchers found that eating more grains - such as wheat, oats or barley - was associated with improved sperm concentration and mobility, and fruit was also linked to a speed and agility boost in sperm.
But that study and most others looked at these associations using data on men seeking fertility treatments, which may not be representative of all men.
For their study, Jensen and her colleagues examined 701 Danish men who were about 20 years old and getting checkups for the military between 2008 and 2010.
Researchers, whose report appeared in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that young Danish men who ate the most saturated fats had a 38 percent lower concentration of sperm, and 41 percent lower sperm counts in their semen, than those who ate the least fat.
"We cannot say that it has a causal effect, but I think other studies have shown that saturated fat intake has shown a connection to other problems and now also for sperm count," said Tina Jensen, the study's lead author from Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.
The research is not the first to connect diet and other lifestyle factors to sperm production and quality. In 2011, Brazilian researchers found that eating more grains - such as wheat, oats or barley - was associated with improved sperm concentration and mobility, and fruit was also linked to a speed and agility boost in sperm.
But that study and most others looked at these associations using data on men seeking fertility treatments, which may not be representative of all men.
For their study, Jensen and her colleagues examined 701 Danish men who were about 20 years old and getting checkups for the military between 2008 and 2010.
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