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Jönsson J, Perfilyev A, Kugelberg U, Skog S, Lindström A, Ruhrmann S, Ofori JK, Bacos K, Rönn T, Öst A, Ling C. Impact of excess sugar on the whole genome DNA methylation pattern in human sperm. Epigenomics 2025; 17:89-104. [PMID: 39707713 PMCID: PMC11792836 DOI: 10.1080/17501911.2024.2439782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 12/03/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS, PATIENTS & METHODS Dietary factors may regulate the epigenome. We aimed to explore whether a diet intervention, including excess sugar, affects the methylome in human sperm, and to describe the sperm methylome. We used Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) to analyze DNA methylation in sperm taken at three time points from 15 males during a diet intervention; i) at baseline, ii) after one week on a standardized diet, and iii) after an additional week on a high-sugar diet providing 150% of their estimated total energy expenditure. RESULTS We identified seven nominal diet-associated differentially methylated regions in sperm (p < 0.05). The diet was nominally associated with methylation of 143 sites linked to fertility (e.g. AHRR, GNAS, and HDAC4), 313 sites in imprinted genes (e.g. GLIS3, PEG10, PEG3, and SNURF), and 42 sites in top 1%-expressed genes (e.g. CHD2) (p < 0.05). In sperm, 3'UTRs and introns had the highest levels of methylation, while 5'UTRs and CpG islands had the lowest levels. Non-expressed genes in human sperm were hypomethylated in exons compared with transcribed genes. CONCLUSIONS In human sperm, DNA methylation levels were linked to gene expression, and excess sugar had modest effects on methylation on imprinted and highly expressed genes, and genes affecting fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefine Jönsson
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Alexander Perfilyev
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Unn Kugelberg
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Signe Skog
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Axel Lindström
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Sabrina Ruhrmann
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jones K. Ofori
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Karl Bacos
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tina Rönn
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anita Öst
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Cell Biology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Ling
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Lund University, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Ceretti E, Bonaccio M, Iacoviello L, Di Castelnuovo A, Ruggiero E, Donato F, Lorenzetti S, Zani D, Montano L. Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods and Semen Quality in Healthy Young Men Living in Italy. Nutrients 2024; 16:4129. [PMID: 39683523 DOI: 10.3390/nu16234129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2024] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/27/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES The study aim was to evaluate the association between UPF consumption and semen quality in a sample of healthy young men in Italy. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was carried out using data from 126 participants (mean age ± SD 20.0 ± 1.2 years) enrolled in the FASt randomized controlled trial. Food intake was assessed through the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) FFQ. Food items were categorized according to the Nova classification based on their purpose and extent of processing as follows: (1) unprocessed/minimally processed foods; (2) processed culinary ingredients; (3) processed foods; and (4) UPFs. The weight ratio (%) between each Nova group (g/d) and total food (g/d) was then calculated. For semen analyses, sperm volume, concentration, motility and morphology were measured. The associations between UPF consumption (quarters of) and semen quality parameters were estimated using multivariable-adjusted linear regression models. RESULTS Participants consuming high UPFs (Q4), compared to those in the bottom category of intake (Q1), had a lower sperm concentration (β = -54.16 × 106 cell/mL; 95%CI: -92.91 to -15.40; p for trend = 0.0020 across fourths) and progressive motility (β = -14.17%; 95%CI: -28.25 to -0.09; p for trend = 0.036). The percentage of normal morphology cells had a tendency to decrease amongst subjects consuming more UPFs compared to those with the lowest intake. CONCLUSIONS A large dietary intake of UPFs was inversely associated with sperm concentration and progressive motility in reproductive-age men. These findings suggest that dietary recommendations for improving male fertility and sperm health should also recommend limiting UPFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Ceretti
- Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marialaura Bonaccio
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo NEUROMED, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Licia Iacoviello
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo NEUROMED, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70010 Casamassima, Italy
| | - Augusto Di Castelnuovo
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo NEUROMED, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Emilia Ruggiero
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo NEUROMED, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Francesco Donato
- Unit of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Lorenzetti
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Italian National Institute of Health (ISS), 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Zani
- Unit of Urology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi Montano
- Andrology Unit and Service of Lifestyle Medicine in UroAndrology, Local Health Authority (ASL) Salerno, "Oliveto Citra Hospital", 84124 Salerno, Italy
- Coordination Unit of the Network for Environmental and Reproductive Health (EcoFoodFertility Project), "Oliveto Citra Hospital", 84124 Salerno, Italy
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Joseph MD, Koenig MR, Kuriyama AS, Wang TR, Wesselink AK, Eisenberg ML, Sommer GJ, Rothman KJ, Stuver SO, Wise LA, Hatch EE. A preconception cohort study of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and semen quality. Andrology 2024; 12:1730-1739. [PMID: 38450974 PMCID: PMC11380042 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dietary factors, including high sugar intake, may have adverse effects on male reproduction. Studies of the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and semen quality have reported inconsistent results. OBJECTIVE We estimated the effects of SSB consumption on semen quality in a North American preconception cohort study. METHODS We analyzed baseline data from 690 males (n = 1,247 samples) participating in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) during 2015-2022. Participants aged ≥21 years completed a baseline questionnaire on which they reported information about intake of SSBs, including sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices. After enrollment, we invited U.S. participants to a semen testing substudy, in which they collected and analyzed two samples using an at-home semen testing kit. We used linear regression models to estimate adjusted percent differences (%D) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of SSB intake with semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), motility, and total motile sperm count (TMSC). We used modified Poisson regression models to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs for the association of SSB intake with World Health Organization semen parameter cut points. RESULTS Relative to non-consumers of SSBs, those who consumed ≥7 SSBs/week had lower semen volume (%D = -6, 95% CI: -13, 0), sperm concentration (%D = -22, 95% CI: -38, 0), TSC (%D = -22, 95% CI: -38, -2), motility (%D = -4, 95% CI: -10, 2), and TMSC (%D = -25, 95% CI: -43, -2). High SSB consumers also had greater risks of low sperm concentration (≤16 million/mL; RR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.21), low TSC (≤39 million; RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 0.92, 3.33), low motility (≤42%; RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.75) and low TMSC (≤21 million; RR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.38). Associations were stronger among participants with body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. CONCLUSION Greater SSB consumption was associated with reduced semen quality in a North American preconception cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlon D Joseph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martha R Koenig
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea S Kuriyama
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tanran R Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Greg J Sommer
- Laboratory Corporation of America, Pleasanton, California, USA
| | - Kenneth J Rothman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sherri O Stuver
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Hosseini E, Khodavandloo M, Sabet SA, Mousavi SN. Relationship between dietary glycemic index and glycemic load and sperm-quality parameters in Iranian men: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:34. [PMID: 38409138 PMCID: PMC10898108 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00840-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major clinical problem with psychological, financial and medical costs. Male infertility has recently been linked to 50% of childless couples. It is worth mentioning that diet and its components can be manipulated and applied in counseling meetings of infertile men as a modifiable factor. The goal of this study was to determine the correlation of dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with sperm-quality parameters in Iranian men. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study which was carried from Aug to Nov 2023, after excluding smokers, 322 men who were attending the IVF clinic of Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital for seminal analysis were enrolled. Dietary intake was completed by an expert dietitian through face-to-face interviews with a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). In the present study, sperm-quality parameters, including motility, concentration, normal morphology, vitality, DNA fragmentation index (DFI), and chromatin maturation of sperm, were analyzed. The relationship between dietary GI and CL and these parameters was assessed. RESULTS Adjusting for the baseline variables, dietary GI and GL showed positive and negative associations with sperm progressive motility, respectively (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI was associated with lower (p = 0.03); however, a higher dietary GL was associated with higher immotile sperm (p < 0.001). A higher dietary GI was associated with a 77% higher sperm count (p = 0.003). In contrast, higher dietary GL was associated with a lower count (p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI and GL were associated with higher and lower percentages of sperm with normal morphology by 70% and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001 in both). A higher dietary GL was associated with an increase in sperm vitality and DFI of 33% and 53%, respectively (p < 0.001). Higher dietary GI showed a significant negative effect on sperm DFI (p = 0.009). Dietary GI and GL showed significant positive and negative effects on SCMA, respectively (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A diet with a higher GI showed beneficial effects on more parameters of sperm; however, higher dietary GL showed deleterious effects, except sperm vitality and SCMA. More studies are needed to obtain a concise result.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hosseini
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Khodavandloo
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Somaye Abdollahi Sabet
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Neda Mousavi
- Zanjan Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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Valle-Hita C, Salas-Huetos A, Fernández de la Puente M, Martínez MÁ, Canudas S, Palau-Galindo A, Mestres C, Manzanares JM, Murphy MM, Marquès M, Salas-Salvadó J, Babio N. Ultra-processed food consumption and semen quality parameters in the Led-Fertyl study. Hum Reprod Open 2024; 2024:hoae001. [PMID: 38283622 PMCID: PMC10813743 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoae001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption associated with semen quality parameters? SUMMARY ANSWER Higher UPF consumption was inversely associated with total sperm count, sperm concentration, and total motility in men of reproductive age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The consumption of UPF, which has been rising during the last decades, has been demonstrated to be positively associated with several chronic diseases such as diabetes or cardiovascular diseases. However, the scientific evidence on its potential impact on semen quality remains notably limited. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from 200 healthy men (mean age 28.4 ± 5.5 years) enrolled in the Led-Fertyl (Lifestyle and Environmental Determinants of Seminogram and Other Male Fertility-Related Parameters) study between February 2021 and April 2023. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS UPF consumption (% of energy from UPF) was estimated according to the NOVA classification system using a validated 143-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Total sperm count, sperm concentration, sperm vitality, total motility, progressive motility, and normal sperm forms were set as the main outcomes. Microscopic parameters were analyzed using a phase-contrast microscope and a computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system. Semen samples were collected and tested according to World Health Organization 2010 standards. Multivariable linear regression models were fitted to estimate the associations between UPF tertile and semen quality parameters. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Sperm concentration (β: -1.42 × 106 spz./ml; 95% CI: -2.72 to -0.12) and motility (β: -7.83%; 95% CI: -15.16 to -0.51) were lower in participants in the highest tertile of UPF compared to the lowest. A similar association was observed for sperm count when UPF was analyzed per 10% increment of energy from UPF consumption (β: -1.50 × 106 spz.; 95% CI: -2.83 to -0.17). Theoretically replacing 10% of energy from UPF consumption with 10% of energy from unprocessed or minimally processed food consumption was associated with a higher total sperm count, sperm concentration, total motility, progressive motility, and normal sperm forms. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Cross-sectional studies do not permit the drawing of causal inferences. Measurement errors and reporting bias cannot be entirely ruled out. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This work suggests that consumption of UPF may have an impact on certain semen quality parameters. Furthermore, opting for unprocessed or minimally processed foods instead of UPFs could potentially benefit semen quality. If these results are replicated in future epidemiological studies with different long-term designs, these novel findings could provide valuable insights for updating or even designing preventive and interventional programs to address infertility among men of reproductive age. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by the Spanish government's official funding agency for biomedical research, ISCIII, through the Fondo de Investigación para la Salud (FIS), the European Union ERDF/ESF, 'A way to make Europe'/'Investing in your future' [PI21/01447], and the Diputació de Tarragona (2021/11-No.Exp. 8004330008-2021-0022642). J.S.-S. gratefully acknowledges the financial support of ICREA under the ICREA Academia program. C.V.-H. received a predoctoral grant from the Generalitat de Catalunya (2022 FI_B100108). M.Á.M. was supported by the Sara Borrell postdoctoral fellowship (CD21/00045-Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII)). M.F.d.l.P. was supported by a predoctoral grant from the Rovira i Virgili University and Diputació de Tarragona (2020-PMF-PIPF-8). All authors have no conflict of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Valle-Hita
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Albert Salas-Huetos
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unitat de Medicina Preventiva, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - María Fernández de la Puente
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Martínez
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Canudas
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Food Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the University of Barcelona, INSA-UB Maria de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
| | - Antoni Palau-Galindo
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- ABS Reus V. Centre d’Assistència Primària Marià Fortuny, Salut Sant Joan de Reus—Baix Camp, Reus, Spain
| | - Cristina Mestres
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- ABS Reus V. Centre d’Assistència Primària Marià Fortuny, Salut Sant Joan de Reus—Baix Camp, Reus, Spain
| | - José María Manzanares
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, IISPV, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Michelle M Murphy
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Unitat de Medicina Preventiva, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental ANUT-DSM, Reus, Spain
| | - Montse Marquès
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Center of Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology—TecnATox, Rovira i Virgili University, Reus, Spain
| | - Jordi Salas-Salvadó
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nancy Babio
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Alimentació, Nutrició, Desenvolupament i Salut Mental (ANUT-DSM), Reus, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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LaPointe S, Mehta A, Gaskins AJ. Diet and recreational drug use in relation to male reproductive health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:1089-1097. [PMID: 37838140 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Diet and lifestyle interventions present promising avenues for the improvement of male fertility. Our objective was to review and synthesize the existing observational and experimental studies among humans on the associations of diet and recreational drug use with semen quality and fertility outcomes. The available data on this topic are limited and, at times, conflicting. Nevertheless, on the basis of this review, dietary patterns that are composed of higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lower intakes of red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages were identified as having the strongest evidence for associations with better sperm quality. However, whether these dietary patterns translate into positive associations with clinical fertility endpoints such as assisted reproductive technology success rates or time-to-pregnancy among couples trying to conceive without medical assistance remains unclear. Male caffeine and alcohol intake, within low-to-moderate ranges of intake, do not appear to be detrimental to semen quality. Yet high-quality research on this topic, focused on clinical fertility endpoints, should continue given the conflicting evidence, particularly in populations undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs, does not appear to be beneficial for male reproductive health and should be avoided or ceased. In conclusion, men should be encouraged to consume a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, as well as lacking in red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages, and to avoid recreational drug use for improved male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah LaPointe
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia.
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Whittaker J. Dietary trends and the decline in male reproductive health. Hormones (Athens) 2023; 22:165-197. [PMID: 36725796 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00431-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the twentieth century, male reproductive health has suffered a substantial decline, as evidenced by decreases in sperm counts and testosterone levels and increases in reproductive pathologies. At the same time, the prevalence of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome has risen dramatically. Metabolic and reproductive health are highly interconnected, suggesting that their respective trends are intertwined and, given the timeframe of such trends, environmental and not genetic factors are most likely to be the primary causes. Industrialization, which began in Europe in the mid-eighteenth century, has resulted in profound changes to our diet, lifestyle, and environment, many of which are causal factors in the rise in chronic diseases. Industrialization results in a nutrition transition from an agricultural unprocessed to a modern processed diet, incorporating increases in sugar, vegetable oils, ultra-processed foods, linoleic acid, trans-fats, and total energy. This dietary shift has incurred numerous adverse effects on metabolic and reproductive health, characterized by chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance. Moreover, these effects appear to multiply across subsequent generations via epigenetic inheritance. Men's fertility is markedly affected by obesity and diabetes, with an increase in total energy via processed food intake arguably being the key factor driving the diabesity pandemic. In contrast, wholefoods rich in micronutrients and phytonutrients support male fertility and a healthy body weight. Therefore, men wanting to maximize their fertility should consider making positive dietary changes, such as replacing processed foods with unprocessed foods that support metabolic and reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Whittaker
- The School of Allied Health and Community, University of Worcester, Henwick Grove, Worcester, WR2 6AJ, UK.
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