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Tully CA, Alesi S, McPherson NO, Sharkey DJ, Teong XT, Tay CT, Silva TR, Puglisi C, Barsby JP, Moran LJ, Grieger JA, Mousa A. Assessing the influence of preconception diet on male fertility: a systematic scoping review. Hum Reprod Update 2024; 30:243-261. [PMID: 38237150 PMCID: PMC11063564 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad035] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The last decade has seen increased research on the relationship between diet and male fertility, but there are no clearly defined nutritional recommendations for men in the preconception period to support clinical fertility outcomes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The purpose of this scoping review is to examine the extent and range of research undertaken to evaluate the effect(s) of diet in the preconception period on male clinical fertility and reproductive outcomes. SEARCH METHODS Four electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE via Ovid, CAB Direct, and CINAHL via EBSCO) were searched from inception to July 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (prospective/retrospective, case-control, and cross-sectional). Intervention studies in male participants or couples aiming to achieve dietary or nutritional change, or non-intervention studies examining dietary or nutritional components (whole diets, dietary patterns, food groups or individual foods) in the preconception period were included. Controls were defined as any comparison group for RCTs, and any/no comparison for observational studies. Primary outcomes of interest included the effect(s) of male preconception diet on clinical outcomes such as conception (natural or via ART), pregnancy rates and live birth rates. Secondary outcomes included time to conception and sperm parameters. OUTCOMES A total of 37 studies were eligible, including one RCT and 36 observational studies (prospective, cross-sectional, and case-control studies; four studies in non-ART populations) published between 2008 and 2023. Eight reported clinical outcomes, 26 reported on secondary outcomes, and three reported on both. The RCT did not assess clinical outcomes but found that tomato juice may benefit sperm motility. In observational studies, some evidence suggested that increasing fish or reducing sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meat or total fat may improve fecundability. Evidence for other clinical outcomes, such as pregnancy rates or live birth rates, showed no relationship with cereals, soy and dairy, and inconsistent relationships with consuming red meat or a 'healthy diet' pattern. For improved sperm parameters, limited evidence supported increasing fish, fats/fatty acids, carbohydrates and dairy, and reducing processed meat, while the evidence for fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, eggs, red meat and protein was inconsistent. Healthy diet patterns in general were shown to improve sperm health. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Specific dietary recommendations for improving male fertility are precluded by the lack of reporting on clinical pregnancy outcomes, heterogeneity of the available literature and the paucity of RCTs to determine causation or to rule out reverse causation. There may be some benefit from increasing fish, adopting a healthy dietary pattern, and reducing consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meat, but it is unclear whether these benefits extend beyond sperm parameters to improve clinical fertility. More studies exploring whole diets rather than singular foods or nutritional components in the context of male fertility are encouraged, particularly by means of RCTs where feasible. Further assessment of core fertility outcomes is warranted and requires careful planning in high-quality prospective studies and RCTs. These studies can lay the groundwork for targeted dietary guidelines and enhance the prospects of successful fertility outcomes for men in the preconception period. Systematic search of preconception diet suggests that increasing fish and reducing sugary drinks, processed meats and total fat may improve male fertility, while consuming healthy diets, fish, fats/fatty acids, carbohydrates and dairy and reducing processed meat can improve sperm health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn A Tully
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Repromed, Dulwich, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon Alesi
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Nicole O McPherson
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Freemasons Center for Male Health and Wellbeing, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - David J Sharkey
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Biomedicine, Discipline of Reproduction and Development, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xiao Tong Teong
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Chau Thien Tay
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Thais Rasia Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Endocrinology and Metabolism, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carolyn Puglisi
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, Australia
| | - Jacqueline P Barsby
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa J Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jessica A Grieger
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Aya Mousa
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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Piera-Jordan CÁ, Prieto Huecas L, Serrano De La Cruz Delgado V, Zaragoza Martí A, García Velert MB, Tordera Terrades C, Sánchez-SanSegundo M, Hurtado-Sánchez JA, Tuells J, Martín Manchado L. Influence of the Mediterranean diet on seminal quality-a systematic review. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1287864. [PMID: 38425483 PMCID: PMC10902424 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1287864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is a growing interest in the study of fertility because fertility-related problems affect up to 15% of the world's population. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the Mediterranean diet on seminal quality in men of reproductive age. For this purpose, a systematic review of the literature was carried out following the PRISMA method. Electronic searches were carried out in the international databases PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. In total, 10 articles with 2032 men were included. As inclusion criteria, articles published between 2012 and 2022 were selected, including those that included men aged between 18 and 55 years. Nutritional status was assessed through weight, height, and BMI. Dietary habits were evaluated through different indexes and food frequency questionnaires, and finally, semen quality was evaluated by measuring sperm concentration and motility (progressive and non-progressive). In six (60%) of the included articles, a positive relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and semen quality was demonstrated; in two (20%) of the articles, no association was found; and finally, in two (20%) of the included articles, the relationship between dietary patterns typical of DM and semen quality was evaluated. Dietary habits influence semen quality. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet can improve male reproductive health, as it is a diet with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This is the first systematic review about the influence of the Mediterranean diet on semen quality, and the results are positive. These findings may allow us to provide better advice to our patients and to establish interventions with the aim of improving the results of assisted reproduction techniques.
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Maitin-Shepard M, Werner EF, Feig LA, Chavarro JE, Mumford SL, Wylie B, Rando OJ, Gaskins AJ, Sakkas D, Arora M, Kudesia R, Lujan ME, Braun J, Mozaffarian D. Food, nutrition, and fertility: from soil to fork. Am J Clin Nutr 2024; 119:578-589. [PMID: 38101699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.005] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Food and nutrition-related factors, including foods and nutrients consumed, dietary patterns, use of dietary supplements, adiposity, and exposure to food-related environmental contaminants, have the potential to impact semen quality and male and female fertility; obstetric, fetal, and birth outcomes; and the health of future generations, but gaps in evidence remain. On 9 November 2022, Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy and the school's Food and Nutrition Innovation Institute hosted a 1-d meeting to explore the evidence and evidence gaps regarding the relationships between food, nutrition, and fertility. Topics addressed included male fertility, female fertility and gestation, and intergenerational effects. This meeting report summarizes the presentations and deliberations from the meeting. Regarding male fertility, a positive association exists with a healthy dietary pattern, with high-quality evidence for semen quality and lower quality evidence for clinical outcomes. Folic acid and zinc supplementation have been found to not impact male fertility. In females, body weight status and other nutrition-related factors are linked to nearly half of all ovulation disorders, a leading cause of female infertility. Females with obesity have worse fertility treatment, pregnancy-related, and birth outcomes. Environmental contaminants found in food, water, or its packaging, including lead, perfluorinated alkyl substances, phthalates, and phenols, adversely impact female reproductive outcomes. Epigenetic research has found that maternal and paternal dietary-related factors can impact outcomes for future generations. Priority evidence gaps identified by meeting participants relate to the effects of nutrition and dietary patterns on fertility, gaps in communication regarding fertility optimization through changes in nutritional and environmental exposures, and interventions impacting germ cell mechanisms through dietary effects. Participants developed research proposals to address the priority evidence gaps. The workshop findings serve as a foundation for future prioritization of scientific research to address evidence gaps related to food, nutrition, and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika F Werner
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Larry A Feig
- Department of Developmental, Molecular, and Chemical Biology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge E Chavarro
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sunni L Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Blair Wylie
- Collaborative for Women's Environmental Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Oliver J Rando
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Marla E Lujan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Joseph Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Dariush Mozaffarian
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States; Food is Medicine Institute, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA, United States.
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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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Nam CS, Campbell KJ, Acquati C, Bole R, Adler A, Collins DJ, Collins E, Samplaski M, Anderson-Bialis J, Andino JJ, Asafu-Adjei D, Gaskins AJ, Bortoletto P, Vij SC, Orwig KE, Lundy SD. Deafening Silence of Male Infertility. Urology 2023; 182:111-124. [PMID: 37778476 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Think about 6 loved ones of reproductive age in your life. Now imagine that 1 of these 6 individuals is suffering from infertility. Perhaps they feel alone and isolated, unable to discuss their heartbreak with their closest friends, family, and support network. Suffering in silence. In this editorial, we discuss the infertility journey through the lens of the patients, the providers, and the scientists who struggle with infertility each and every day. Our goal is to open a dialogue surrounding infertility, with an emphasis on dismantling the longstanding societal barriers to acknowledging male infertility as a disease. Through education, communication, compassion, and advocacy, together we can all begin to break the deafening silence of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Nam
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX; Department of Clinical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX; Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Raevti Bole
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Ava Adler
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Erica Collins
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mary Samplaski
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Juan J Andino
- Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Denise Asafu-Adjei
- Department of Urology, Department of Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Pietro Bortoletto
- Boston IVF, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah C Vij
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
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Witte Castro A, Zozaya C, Ruvira S, Arribas SM, López-Giménez MR, Ramiro-Cortijo D. Online pilot intervention to improve nutritional and lifestyle in Spanish breast-feeding women. NUTR HOSP 2023. [PMID: 38047426 DOI: 10.20960/nh.04846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION breastfeeding women often cannot adequately follow dietary and healthy habits recommendations. In addition, after labor, their care is usually focused on the newborn and the mother´s health may be neglected. The Mediterranean Diet is the standard of healthy eating, with the Healthy Food Pyramid (HFP) being its graphical representation. OBJECTIVE the aim of this study was to determine whether a nutritional and lifestyle online intervention may improve HFP adherence in breastfeeding women. METHODS a total of 181 breastfeeding women in the first sixth months postpartum were enrolled in a non-randomized interventional pilot study. These women answered three questionnaires: sociodemographic and for adherence to Healthy Food Pyramid (APQ), before and after an online intervention for 13 weeks, providing information about nutrition and healthy habits. The APQ ranges from 0 to 10, with higher scores corresponding to greater adherence to HFP. The intervention consisted of lifestyle and nutritional information, which was provided through e-mail. RESULTS a low adherence to HFP was found, which was improved after 13 weeks of intervention. The online intervention significantly increased the scores for physical activity, grain, seeds and legumes consumption, olive oil use, dairy products, and ani-mal proteins, as well as the HFP adherence global score. The adjusted models showed that the online intervention was associated with adherence to the HFP and physical activity. CONCLUSION we conclude that an online intervention for breastfeeding women had an impact on their lifestyle, improving nutritional and healthy habits, and can be a useful tool to monitor their health status. Given the importance of this stage for women and their newborns, this is an aspect postnatal healthcare professionals should consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariadna Witte Castro
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology. Facultad de Me-dicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - Carlos Zozaya
- Department of Neonatology. Hospital Universitario La Paz
| | - Santiago Ruvira
- Department of Physiology. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - Silvia M Arribas
- Department of Physiology. Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
| | - María Rosario López-Giménez
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Microbiology. Facultad de Me-dicina. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
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Dabagh M, Jahangiri N, Taheri Madah A, Rostami S, Amidi F, Khodarahmian M, Tavoosian A, Shabani Nashtaei M, Vatannejad A. Association of dietary total antioxidant capacity, alternative healthy eating index, and dietary inflammatory index with semen quality in men seeking infertility treatment. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1284379. [PMID: 37885439 PMCID: PMC10598851 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1284379] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since the association between dietary quality scores and semen quality remains unclear, we carried out a hospital-based cross-sectional study to investigate the association of Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity (dTAC), Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) scores with semen quality in men seeking infertility treatment. Methods This study enrolled 210 men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility. Semen samples were collected and analyzed according to the WHO 2010 criteria. Dietary data was collected using a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed for Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the relationship between dTAC, AHEI, and DII scores with abnormal semen in crude and adjusted models. Results There were no significant differences across quartile categories of the dTAC, AHEI, and DII scores regarding semen parameters. There was a trend toward a significant direct association between DII and abnormal semen risk (p = 0.01). Infertile men in the highest quartile of DII had a 2.84 times higher risk of abnormal semen in the crude model (OR: 3.84; 95% CI: 1.64-8.95); such that remained after adjusting for several potential confounders. There was no significant association between dTAC or AHEI and the risk of abnormal semen in infertile men, either before or after adjusting for potential confounders. Total energy (p = 0.05), fat (p = 0.02), saturated fat (p = 0.02), mono-saturated fat (p = 0.009), Thiamine (Vitamin B1) (p = 0.02), Niacin (Vitamin B3) (p = 0.03), Calcium (p = 0.01), and Selenium (p = 0.01) were inversely associated with semen normality. Discussion The study suggests that certain dietary factors may affect semen quality, and the mechanisms underlying the observed associations are likely multifactorial, involving complex interactions between diet, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormone levels. Further research is required to confirm the results, fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying the associations, and identify specific dietary interventions that may improve male fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahtab Dabagh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nargesbano Jahangiri
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Taheri Madah
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Rostami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Yas Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Amidi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshad Khodarahmian
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Arash Women’s Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Tavoosian
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shabani Nashtaei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Infertility, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Vatannejad
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Geller RJ, Wesselink AK, Koenig MR, Eisenberg ML, Tucker KL, Hatch EE, Wise LA. Association of male fatty acid intake with fecundability among couples planning pregnancy. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1601-1612. [PMID: 37221671 PMCID: PMC10391313 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead100] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION To what extent is male fatty acid intake associated with fecundability among couples planning pregnancy? SUMMARY ANSWER We observed weak positive associations of male dietary intakes of total and saturated fatty acids with fecundability; no other fatty acid subtypes were appreciably associated with fecundability. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Male fatty acid intake has been associated with semen quality in previous studies. However, little is known about the extent to which male fatty acid intake is associated with fecundability among couples attempting spontaneous conception. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION We conducted an internet-based preconception prospective cohort study of 697 couples who enrolled during 2015-2022. During 12 cycles of observation, 53 couples (7.6%) were lost to follow-up. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Participants were residents of the USA or Canada, aged 21-45 years, and not using fertility treatment at enrollment. At baseline, male participants completed a food frequency questionnaire from which we estimated intakes of total fat and fatty acid subtypes. We ascertained time to pregnancy using questionnaires completed every 8 weeks by female participants until conception or up to 12 months. We used proportional probabilities regression models to estimate fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% CIs for the associations of fat intakes with fecundability, adjusting for male and female partner characteristics. We used the multivariate nutrient density method to account for energy intake, allowing for interpretation of results as fat intake replacing carbohydrate intake. We conducted several sensitivity analyses to assess the potential for confounding, selection bias, and reverse causation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Among 697 couples, we observed 465 pregnancies during 2970 menstrual cycles of follow-up. The cumulative incidence of pregnancy during 12 cycles of follow-up after accounting for censoring was 76%. Intakes of total and saturated fatty acids were weakly, positively associated with fecundability. Fully adjusted FRs for quartiles of total fat intake were 1.32 (95% CI 1.01-1.71), 1.16 (95% CI 0.88-1.51), and 1.43 (95% CI 1.09-1.88) for the second, third, and fourth vs the first quartile, respectively. Fully adjusted FRs for saturated fatty acid intake were 1.21 (95% CI 0.94-1.55), 1.16 (95% CI 0.89-1.51), and 1.23 (95% CI 0.94-1.62) for the second, third, and fourth vs the first quartile, respectively. Intakes of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, trans-, omega-3, and omega-6 fatty acids were not strongly associated with fecundability. Results were similar after adjustment for the female partner's intakes of trans- and omega-3 fats. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Dietary intakes estimated from the food frequency questionnaire may be subject to non-differential misclassification, which is expected to bias results toward the null in the extreme categories when exposures are modeled as quartiles. There may be residual confounding by unmeasured dietary, lifestyle, or environmental factors. Sample size was limited, especially in subgroup analyses. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results do not support a strong causal effect of male fatty acid intakes on fecundability among couples attempting to conceive spontaneously. The weak positive associations we observed between male dietary fat intakes and fecundability may reflect a combination of causal associations, measurement error, chance, and residual confounding. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, grant numbers R01HD086742 and R01HD105863. In the last 3 years, PRESTO has received in-kind donations from Swiss Precision Diagnostics (home pregnancy tests) and Kindara.com (fertility app). L.A.W. is a consultant for AbbVie, Inc. M.L.E. is an advisor to Sandstone, Ro, Underdog, Dadi, Hannah, Doveras, and VSeat. The other authors have no competing interests to report. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth J Geller
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martha R Koenig
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Departments of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katherine L Tucker
- Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth E Hatch
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Akgün N, Cimşit Kemahlı MN, Pradas JB. The effect of dietary habits on oocyte/sperm quality. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc 2023; 24:125-137. [PMID: 37283851 PMCID: PMC10258567 DOI: 10.4274/jtgga.galenos.2023.2022-7-15] [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: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of diet and nutritional habits on reproductive cells can be categorized in a variety of ways. In this review, the literature is divided, based on the dietary consumption effects on oocytes and sperm. Topics on dietary patterns and the intrauterine effect of maternal nutrition are covered. In general fruits, vegetables, whole greens, fish, legumes, and also dietary sources containing unsaturated fats can improve reproductive germ cell quality. In epidemiological studies, the food intake frequency questionnaire is one of the most common methods to assess diet. Due to methodological heterogeneity in dietary assessment and inadequacy in the measurement of dietary intake in the questionnaires used, several unreliable results may be reported. Thus, the quality of evidence needs to be improved, since nutritional diets may not be so simply objective and they are inadequate to explain obvious underlining mechanisms. In addition, various compounds that may be ingested can affect molecular mechanisms, influenced by other external factors (drugs, pesticides, smoking, alcohol) and changes in human nutritional parameters. Artificial Intelligence has recently gained widespread interest and may have a role in accurate analysis of dietary patterns for optimal nutritional benefit. Therefore, future prospective randomized studies and objective measurements, consisting of molecular level analysis of the impact on cells and clear-cut methods are needed for accurate assessment of the effect of dietary habits on reproductive treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilüfer Akgün
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital, Ankara Turkey
| | - Miray Nilüfer Cimşit Kemahlı
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Zeynep Kamil Women and Children’s Diseases Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - José Bellver Pradas
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- IVI Foundation, Health Research Institute La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- IVI-RMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Novel Lines of Research on the Environmental and Human Health Impacts of Nut Consumption. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040955. [PMID: 36839312 PMCID: PMC9964796 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuts have formed part of human diets throughout the ages. In recent decades, research has shown they are key foods in dietary patterns associated with lower chronic disease risk. The current state of climate change, however, has introduced an imperative to review the impact of dietary patterns on the environment with a shift to plant-based diets. Nuts emerge as a significant source of protein in plant-based diets and are a minimally processed and sustainable food. Research in this area is evolving to drive better production methods in varying climate conditions. Nevertheless, nut consumption remains an important contributor to human health. The mechanisms of action can be explained in terms of the nutrients they deliver. Studies of nut consumption have linked components such as monounsaturated fatty acids, plant omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and plant sterols to improved lipoprotein profiles, lower blood pressure, and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Preliminary research also indicates possible beneficial effects of nut consumption on reproductive health. In any case, the ultimate effects of foods on health are the results of multiple interactive factors, so where nuts fit within dietary patterns is a significant consideration for research translation. This has implications for research methodologies, including categorization within food groups and inclusion in Healthy Dietary Indices. The aim of this narrative review is to outline new focal points for investigation that examine the environmental and some novel human health impacts of nut consumption and discuss future directions for research.
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11
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Muffone ARMC, de Oliveira Lübke PDP, Rabito EI. Mediterranean diet and infertility: a systematic review with meta-analysis of cohort studies. Nutr Rev 2022:6811792. [DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuac087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Context
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a dietary pattern with evidence of positive health impact, and some nutrients in this diet have already been researched for their effectiveness in fertility. However, there are still questions about whether high adherence to the MD could be a factor that contributes to positive fertility outcomes in infertile men and women.
Objective
A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to determine whether a greater adherence to the MD can improve fertility markers and outcomes in infertile men and women.
Data sources
The MEDLINE, BVS, SciELO, CENTRAL, and Embase databases and gray literature were searched from their inception to May 2022.
Study selection
Data were included from cohort studies that addressed MD and outcomes.
Data extraction
Data searches, article selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessments were performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Results
A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 13 157 women and 1338 men). Greater adherence to the MD was associated with live births (I2 = 83.16%; odds ratio [OR], 0.652; 95%CI, 0.408–3.194), pregnancy rate (I2 = 93.83%; OR, 1.192; 95%CI, 0.349–4.325), sperm concentration >15 × 106/mL (I2 = 32.97%; OR 2.862; 95%CI, 1.583–5.174), and sperm count > 39 × 106/mL (I2 = 48.1%; OR, 2.543; 95%CI, 1.319–4.904); however, in an inconsistent scenario regarding the meta-analysis.
Conclusion
Current evidence of high adherence to MD and fertility markers is insufficient to support their clinical application, even though it indicates sperm improvement and a possibility of better pregnancy outcomes.
Systematic Review Registration
PROSPERO registration no. 169396.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Estela I Rabito
- Department of Nutrition, Federal University of Paraná , Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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12
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Brems JA, Coward RM. The forest and the trees-the importance of male dietary patterns extends beyond in vitro fertilization outcomes. Fertil Steril 2021; 117:313-314. [PMID: 34980433 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Brems
- Department of Urology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; UNC Fertility, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - R Matthew Coward
- Department of Urology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; UNC Fertility, Raleigh, North Carolina
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