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A new Danish study suggests that higher saturated fat intake hinders sperm production and quality. Researchers at Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University National Hospital
found a link between a diet high in saturated fats — found in foods like
cheeses and meats — and shrinking sperm
Between 2008 and 2010, the researchers collected self-reported diet
information and semen samples from 701 Danish men, all roughly 20 years
old, who were receiving military checkups. Among the Danes in the study
who consumed the most saturated fat, there was a 38 percent decrease in sperm concentration, and, compared to those who ate less saturated fat, those who ate high-fat diets had sperm counts that were 41 percent lower.
Between 2008 and 2010, the researchers collected self-reported diet
information and semen samples from 701 Danish men, all roughly 20 years
old, who were receiving military checkups. Among the Danes in the study
who consumed the most saturated fat, there was a 38 percent decrease in sperm concentration, and, compared to those who ate less saturated fat, those who ate high-fat diets had sperm counts that were 41 percent lower.
Additionally, test subjects were broken down into four groups based on
calorie intake from saturated fats and individual sperm production. The
findings, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,
showed that sperm concentration and sperm counts dropped as fat intake
increased. Among men who got just over 11 percent of their calories from
saturated fats, sperm concentration was 50 million per milliliter of
semen with a sperm count of 163 million; that's compared to 45 million
sperm per milliliter of semen and a sperm count of 128 million in those
who had consumed 15 percent of calories from saturated fat.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
says that a normal sperm concentration per milliliter of semen is
anything above 15 million. Of the Danish men who ate the least saturated
fat, 13 percent were below the WHO standard, and among those who ate
the most saturated fat, 18 percent fell short.
"We cannot say that it has a causal effect, but I think other studies
have shown that saturated fat intake has a connection to other problems
and now also for sperm count," Tina Jensen, MD, PhD, lead study author
from Rigshospitalet's Department of Growth and Reproduction, told Reuters Health.
A healthy diet has previously been associated with improved sperm production and quality. In 2011, Brazilian scientists
discovered a link between eating more whole grains and increased sperm
concentration and motility, and a link between eating more fruit and
elevated sperm speed and agility.
Smoking and physical activity
are also key players in optimal sperm production. Kick the nicotine to
the curb and make sure to exercise regularly to maintain "the goods."
And don't forget to cut back on saturated fats in general, as they have also been linked to heart disease, cancer, and other conditions.
