We have written extensively about the alarming pressure on sperm over the last few decades. Something that research shows continues to deteriorate. Click here for more. There are of course many likely factors behind this, however, emerging research suggests that simple dietary changes can positively impact sperm motility (a crucial aspect of male fertility) in as little as a couple of weeks. Yes, that fast. There is also a suggestion that it could even impact the next generation. Here’s what you need to know. 

Sperm is under fire: 

We have seen both a global rise in obesity and a steady decline in sperm quality over the last few decades. Unfortunately, ongoing large-scale studies, covering ten to hundreds of thousands of individuals, also suggest that this decline shows no signs of recovery. (1)

So, what’s eating male sperm?! 

As always, there are many reasons behind this and they often vary between individuals. Most of the trouble comes from damage to fragile sperm cells and the DNA and RNA within it. Including factors like lack of sleep (click here for more) contributing to hormonal imbalance and immune dysfunction. Similarly, exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals (EDCs: click here for more), to more obvious factors like excessive drinking, smoking, exercise, excessive BMI and Diabetes. Drinking, smoking and Obesity being primary sources of Oxidative Stress which damages vulnerable sperm cells directly. Click here for more. 

Turns out: sperm are very sensitive to what you eat, but this is the good news:  

A recent study demonstrated how sensitive human sperm are to nutrient flux. Particularly when it comes to all important sperm motility. It even appears to rapidly alter sperm RNA (which transfers the genetic code). (1)

Sperm appears to display rapid response to diet: 

Whilst women are born with a finite number of eggs, sperm is constantly regenerating which gives a nice opportunity to change it! In fact the study demonstrated ‘a fast and highly specific response to dietary changes’. Crucially, sperm motility increased over the course of the study and was clear after just one week of a healthy diet.

So, what should you be eating for healthy sperm? 

This particular study focused on a dietary approach similar to the Mediterranean diet, which has shown significant evidence as supporting female fertility. Click here for more.  

Specifically, it focused on whole dairy and grains, nuts and vegetables. The participants only drank water. This was compared to a diet rich in sugar and sweetened beverages. Click here for more on how this causes damage, specifically to sperm cells. 

Can this even impact the next generation?! 

Because dietary changes appear to impact the RNA within sperm there is a question whether or not this can transfer to the next generation. Also known as ‘paternal intergenerational metabolic response’. In fact, in flies it has been shown that a dietary change of just two days was enough to bring metabolic reprogramming to the next generation. Questions remain but once again, evidence continues to suggest that the power of a healthy diet cannot be underestimated particularly in the quest for a healthy generation to come.

References: 

(1) Nat, D, Casas E, Vavouri T, Ost A: Human sperm displays rapid responses to diet: PLOS Biology: Dec 2019. 

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This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The information on this website has been developed following years of personal research and from referenced and sourced medical research. Before making any changes we strongly recommend you consult a healthcare professional before you begin.

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This article is for informational purposes only. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The information on this website has been developed following years of personal research and from referenced and sourced medical research. Before making any changes we strongly recommend you consult a healthcare professional before you begin.

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