Does diet affect sperm quality?
Research shows an association between a junk food diet and a reduced sperm count

Research shows an association between a junk food diet and a reduced sperm count
A recent Harvard Medical School study of 99 men who attended a US fertility clinic found that men with diets high in saturated fat had poorer sperm quality.
Meanwhile vegetable and fish-heavy diets, high intakes of omega-3 fatty acids, were associated with high sperm concentration.
‘The magnitude of the association is quite dramatic and provides further support for the health efforts to limit consumption of saturated fat given their relation with other health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease,’ says Harvard Professor Jill Attaman, who led the study.
The team surveyed the men’s diets and analysed their sperm samples over a four-year time period.
British fertility expert at University of Sheffield, Dr Allan Pacey, says that while the relatively small study doesn’t prove that one causes the other, it does add weight to the argument that a healthy diet benefits male fertility.
'Perhaps unsurprisingly there appeared to be a reasonable association between the two, with men who ate the highest levels of saturated fats having the lowest sperm counts and those eating the most omega-3 polyunsaturated fats having the highest.'
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Human Reproduction reports that further work needs to be carried out to confirm the findings.
It was acknowledged that none of the men had sperm counts defined as 'low' by the World Health Organisation, and that 71% of the participants were overweight, which is also a factor in sperm quality.
The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.
-
Jenny Slate on chemistry reads, work idols and building trust on set
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
I’m not easily swayed by trends, but this easy swap earned me my most complimented make-up look to date
Pastels in spring, inspired
By Denise Primbet
-
I trained like a ballet dancer for a month - and I've never felt so humbled but strong
It's all about grace and strength.
By Anna Bartter