An Italian study found that following an organic, low-carb Mediterranean diet can improve male fertility.
- A study of 50 men shows that following a Mediterranean diet, made up of 80% organic foods, increases the testosterone levels of men suffering from infertility.
- If their diet was also low in carbohydrates, they had a lower rate of sperm DNA fragmentation.
- For the researchers, their work shows the importance of diet in male fertility and the benefit of favoring a Mediterranean diet.
Men who wish to have a child have every interest in adopting a Mediterranean diet low in carbohydrates, according to Italian researchers. Their study, published in the scientific journal Current Research in Food Scienceshows that this diet has beneficial effects on fertility and sperm quality.
Mediterranean diet: what are its effects on male fertility?
While men are involved in the couple’s difficulty in procreating in 30% to 40% of cases, three Italian researchers wanted to explore the effects of a low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet on male fertility. They brought together 50 men aged 35 to 45, with low fertility. For three months, the participants had to follow a Mediterranean diet consisting of 80% organic foods. Twenty of them were also separately instructed to reduce their carbohydrate intake to 35% of their daily calorie intake.
At the end of the experiment, blood and semen samples were collected from the volunteers to measure testosterone levels and sperm DNA fragmentation index, respectively. (one of the factors of infertility). The researchers also assessed participants’ eating habits before the study using questionnaires. Data were compared to assess the effects of the Mediterranean diet on male fertility.
Men’s health: the organic, low-carbohydrate Mediterranean diet boosts fertility
The team first noticed that before participating in their work, volunteers who had difficulty conceiving ate a lot of low-quality protein as well as refined and high-glycemic carbohydrates. Their consumption of coffee, dairy products and processed foods was also high. However, after following the Mediterranean diet, significant improvements were observed.
After three months of adhering to the low-carb, fresh-food-rich Mediterranean diet, participants’ testosterone levels had increased significantly. Additionally, those who were instructed to reduce the amount of carbohydrates by up to 35% of daily calories also showed a reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation.
“The male contribution to a couple’s fertility is important and the results of this study highlight the importance of dietary variation and the inclusion of organic foods in achieving this goal. Specifically, adherence to a preconception Mediterranean diet low in carbohydrates and high in legumes, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables, as well as 80% organic food consumption, was associated with improved levels testosterone and reduced sperm DNA fragmentation.conclude the authors in their article.
