Lifestyle – Mediterranean diet.
A healthy diet, particularly the Mediterranean diet, and lifestyle can improve sperm quality and fertility in men.
“Healthy diets rich in nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (eg vitamin E, vitamin C, β-carotene, selenium, zinc, cryptoxanthin and lycopene), vitamins (vitamin D and folate) and low in saturated fatty acids and trans-fatty acids were inversely associated with low semen quality parameters. Fish, shellfish and seafood, poultry, cereals, vegetables and fruits, low-fat dairy and skimmed milk were positively associated with several sperm quality parameters. However, diets rich in processed meat, soy foods, potatoes, full-fat dairy and total dairy products, cheese, coffee, alcohol, sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets have been detrimentally associated with the quality of semen in some studies.”
A high intake of alcohol, caffeine, red meat, and processed meat by males negatively influences chances of pregnancy or fertilization rates in their partners.
Salas-Huetos A, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J. Dietary patterns, foods and nutrients in male fertility parameters and fecundability: a systematic review of observational studies. Hum Reprod Update. 2017 Jul 1;23(4):371-389. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmx006. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28333357
Karayiannis D, Kontogianni MD, Mendorou C, Douka L, Mastrominas M, Yiannakouris N. Association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and semen quality parameters in male partners of couples attempting fertility. Hum Reprod. 2017 Jan;32(1):215-222. Epub 2016 Nov 14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27994040
