Infertility: the Mediterranean diet could improve sperm quality

The Mediterranean diet would reduce inflammation, improve the quality of sperm in men, thus helping to fight against infertility.

What is the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet is made up of whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, aromatic herbs and spices. Dairy products and lean protein sources such as chicken, fish or eggs are only eaten in small amounts and red meat is very limited.

Inflammation has a negative effect on fertility

The protective effects of the Mediterranean diet against certain pathologies linked to inflammation, such as type 2 diabetes or certain cardiovascular diseases, are already known to scientists.

In this work, researchers from Monash University, the University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of South Australia reviewed research on how diet can affect conception. They also tried to understand the impact of inflammation on fertility, which could “potentially contribute to irregular menstrual cycle, implantation failure and other negative reproductive sequelae“they write.

Fuzzy links between diet and infertility

Indeed, infertility is a global health problem that affects 48 million couples and 186 million individuals worldwide, the authors point out. A problem that could be linked to poor diet and physical inactivity. However, even today, the links between diet and infertility remain unclear, but scientists report that there are however “harmful effects of inflammation on fertility”.

A diet that decreases inflammation

By carrying out this work, the authors deduce that “reducing inflammation may improve fertility outcomes as well as assisted reproductive technology and sperm quality in men“. And that goes through the adoption of the Mediterranean diet.

For one of the main authors of this work, Evangeline Mantzioris, there is “consistent evidence” that shows “that by adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet – a diet that includes lots of polyunsaturated or “healthy” fats, flavonoids (found in leafy green vegetables) and a limited amount of red and processed meat, fertility is improved“.

Modifying one’s diet during the preconception period would therefore be “a non-invasive and potentially effective way to improve fertility outcomes“note the scientists.

A simple way to fight infertility

For Simon Alesi, co-author of this work, “modifying one’s diet is a non-intrusive and affordable strategy that could potentially improve infertility. Of course, more research needs to be done” he adds, “but at the very least, switching to a Mediterranean diet will not only improve your overall health, but also your chances of conceiving.r” he concludes.

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