Junk food diet linked to low sperm count

A study of nearly 3,000 young male military recruits (aged 18-20) from Denmark showed those with high-fat and sugary diets had lower sperm counts than their counterparts who ate more fruit and vegetables.

Researchers from Harvard University used extensive diet surveys to group the men into four categories.

They found those who reguarly ate a balanced diet, with plenty of fish, white meats, fruit, and vegetables, produced the healthiest sperm. 

This was followed by vegetarians, whose diets also included soy and eggs, as well as men who ate a traditional Scandinavian diet with more processed meats, whole grains, cold fish and dairy.

The report concluded that unhealthy diets, high in processed foods, are linked with hormone levels that could cause irreversible damage to sperm-producing cells.

Dr Jorge Chavarro, who led the research, said: "Our findings support the growing evidence that adhering to generally healthy diet patterns is associated with higher sperm counts and more favourable markers of sperm function."

Various studies have shown that sperm counts have been declining in recent decades, which have pointed to poor diet as a leading cause. However, they mostly focused on those in their late 20s, 30s and 40s who are struggling to conceive. By contrast, this research shows that a poor diet growing up may reduce a man's chances of fathering children for the rest of his life.

Professor Allan Pacey at the University of Sheffield, a sperm and fertility expert, told the Daily Mail: "The concern would be that a poor diet younger in life makes a change that sticks with you."

Sperm have a lifespan of around three months and many fertility experts say improving your diet could allow sperm production to recover. But this research highlights the importance of healthy eating at all stages of life.

The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Vienna, Austria.