The impact of nutrition and lifestyle on male fertility

Abstract

Background and aims: Male unexplained infertility has long been suspected to result from environmental, lifestyle and nutritional factors. However, the literature on the subject is still scarce, and clinical studies providing robust evidence are even scarcer. In addition, some similar studies come to different conclusions. Dietary pattern can influence spermatogenesis by its content of fatty acids and antioxidants. Yet, in an age of industrialized mass food production, human bodies become more exposed to the ingestion of xenobiotics, as well as chemicals used for production, preservation, transportation and taste enhancement of foods. We attempted in this paper to collect the available evidence to date on the effect of nutritional components on male fertility. Material and methods: A systematic search of the relevant literature published in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database was conducted. Literature was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa- Scale. Results: Epidemiological observations are concordant in demonstrating an association of low-quality sperm parameters with higher intake of red meat, processed and organ meat and fullfat dairy. On the contrary, better semen parameters were observed in subjects consuming a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish. Evidences of the negative impact on male fertility of by-products of water disinfection, accumulation in food chain of persistent organochlorine pollutants, pesticides, phthalates from food and water containers and hormones used in breeding cattle have been reported. Clinical trials of the effects of micronutrients on semen parameters and outcomes of assisted fertilization are encouraging, although optimal modality of treatment should be established. Conclusions: Although quality of evidence should be ameliorated, it emerges that environmental factors can influence male fertility. Some nutrients may enhance fertility whereas others will worsen it. With diagnostic analysis on a molecular or even sub-molecular level, new interactions with micronutrients or molecular components of our daily ingested foods and leisure drugs may lead to a better understanding of so far suspected but as yet unexplained effects on male spermatogenesis and fertility.

Vitamins as primary or adjunctive treatment in infertile men with varicocele: A systematic review

“…Regarding the type of study, there were six randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one prospective case series. From the seven studies included, three of them evaluated the effect of vitamins on semen parameters [ 14 , 16 , 19 ] and the remaining four reported the outcomes of vitamins on semen parameters and pregnancy rates [ 13 , 15 , 17 , 18 ]. Moreover, five studies compared a panel of vitamins and antioxidants as adjuvant treatment to interventions alone (embolisation, one study; varicocelectomy, four studies), while two studies reported outcomes for the efficacy of vitamins as monotherapy.…”

“…They have already been used as potential agents in various fields, including the cardiovascular, mental and urological systems [14][15][16]. As a result, along with their multiple benefits, vitamins are promising conservative agents for the management of male infertility, as they counteract the environmental, lifestyle and nutritional factors affecting the male fertility capacity and this ability seems to include infertile men with varicocele [17,18]. However, knowledge of the exact type of vitamin needed, dosage and duration of treatment, optimal patient selection criteria, cost-effectiveness and the optimal combination of agents is still lacking.…”

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: Evidence of Adverse Effects on the Male Reproductive System

“…Many studies suggest that human male infertility has increased significantly over the past few decades [ 85 , 86 , 87 ]. Due to this alarming trend, it has been hypothesized that environmental, dietary, and/or lifestyle changes are interfering with men’s ability to produce spermatozoa with a consequent impact on male fertility [ 88 , 89 ]. In addition, the male reproductive system is known to be susceptible to environmental stress, as toxicants, vehicular pollutants, and even NPs [ 90 ].…”

Succinct Review Article on Male Sterility Diagnosis, Symptoms, and Treatment

“…Environmental, way of life, and nourishing variables have for quite some time been expected to play a part in male fruitlessness. Be that as it may, there is a lack of exploration, and clinical investigations with much proof are much scant [2].…”