Case ControlHumann = 3002026
Dietary glycemic index, glycemic load, carbohydrate quality index, and low-carbohydrate diet score and their association with sperm DNA damage in unexplained male infertility.
Plain-language summary
This study looked at whether the quality and amount of carbohydrates in a man's diet affect sperm DNA damage, a common problem in unexplained infertility. Researchers compared 300 Iranian men aged 18 to 50, half with high sperm DNA damage and half with low, using a detailed food questionnaire. Men who ate higher-quality carbohydrates (whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and beans rather than white bread, sugary drinks, and refined snacks) and kept overall carbs lower had lower odds of sperm DNA damage. The glycemic index and glycemic load of their diets (measures of how fast and how much a food raises blood sugar) showed no clear link.
Key findings
- Higher carbohydrate quality index (CQI) was linked to lower odds of high sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Higher low-carbohydrate diet score (LCDS) was linked to lower odds of high sperm DNA fragmentation.
- Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) did not show a significant association with sperm DNA damage.
How to analyze the study yourself
- Study type
- Case-control studies are good at identifying associations but cannot establish causation.
- Population
- The study included Iranian men aged 18-50 with unexplained infertility.
- Funding
- Not reported
- Watch for
- This study found that better carbohydrate quality, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and beans over refined and sugary carbs, was tied to less sperm DNA damage. If you are trying to conceive, it may be worth trading refined carbs for whole-food ones.