Consuming mostly meat or eggs and protein shakes lower testosterone levels in men, which can lead to reduced sperm count.
- High protein diets are based on the consumption of meat, eggs, fish and protein powders.
- Eating more than 35% protein reduces testosterone levels by 37%.
To develop muscle mass or lose weight, some follow a high protein diet. This method consists of increasing the proportion of proteins by consuming more meat, fish, eggs and by ingesting drinks obtained by mixing water with protein powder. Problem: It can reduce the chances of having children for men. This was revealed by scientists from the University of Worcester in England (United Kingdom) in a study published in the journal Nutrition and Health March 7.
Endocrine effects?
“Low-carb diets may have endocrine effects, although individual studies are conflicting. This is why this work was done on the effects of high-protein diets on testosterone and cortisol (stress hormone) in men”, can we read in the searches. For the purposes of the study, the researchers looked at 27 studies involving 309 healthy men. Some participants were on a high-protein, low-carb diet. As for the others, they ingested more carbohydrates and less protein.
Lower testosterone levels in high protein dieters
According to the results, a sharp decrease in testosterone levels was observed in volunteers who consumed more than 35% protein. High-protein, low-carb diets can cause fertility problems in participants. “Low-carb diets versus high-carb diets moderately increased cortisol levels,” the authors said. According to Joseph Whittaker, lead author of the study, “People on a high protein diet should limit their protein intake to no more than 25%.”
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