Cross SectionalHumann = 2232025Spain
Life's Essential 8 score and its association with sperm quality parameters in reproductive-aged men: evidence from the Led-Fertyl cohort.
Plain-language summary
This study looked at whether a heart-healthy lifestyle is linked to better sperm quality in young men, using the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 score. That score rates eight things, each scored and averaged into a single number from 0 to 100 where higher is healthier: diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep, body weight, blood lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure. Researchers scored 223 Spanish men aged 18 to 40 and compared their scores to sperm count, concentration, and motility. Men with higher scores had healthier sperm across several measures, and the highest scorers were the least likely to have an abnormal sperm test.
Key findings
- Higher LE8 scores were linked to better sperm concentration, total motility, and progressive motility.
- Each 10-point increase in LE8 score was tied to higher total sperm count and concentration.
- Men in the highest LE8 tertile were 68% less likely to have abnormal sperm results.
How to analyze the study yourself
- Study type
- Cross-sectional studies can show associations but cannot prove cause and effect.
- Population
- Healthy reproductive-aged men in Spain.
- Funding
- Spanish government (ISCIII), European Union ERDF/ESF, Diputació de Tarragona
- Watch for
- This study found that men with healthier heart habits had healthier sperm. If you are trying to conceive, the same basics that protect your heart, a good diet, regular activity, sleep, a healthy weight, and not smoking, look worth the effort here too.