Cross SectionalHumann = 3002023Italy
Observational Cross-Sectional Study on Mediterranean Diet and Sperm Parameters.
Plain-language summary
This study looked at whether following a Mediterranean diet (MD) is linked to healthier sperm in men. Researchers surveyed 300 men (average age 35) visiting a reproductive medicine center, using a 14-point questionnaire to measure how closely they followed the MD and analyzing their semen. They found that higher MD adherence was tied to better sperm count, motility, viability, and normal shape, even after accounting for age and BMI. Men who scored below 6.25 on the MD scale were over six times more likely to have at least one abnormal sperm parameter compared to those with higher scores.
Key findings
- Higher Mediterranean diet adherence (MEDAS score) was linked to better sperm count, motility, viability, and normal morphology.
- A MEDAS score below 6.25 increased the odds of having at least one abnormal sperm parameter by 6.28 times.
- The association held independently of BMI and age.
How to analyze the study yourself
- Study type
- Cross-sectional studies can identify associations but cannot prove cause and effect, as they capture data at a single point in time.
- Population
- Men spontaneously visiting a reproductive medicine center, which may not represent the general population.
- Funding
- Not reported
- Watch for
- This study found that men who followed a Mediterranean diet more closely had healthier sperm, including better count, motility, and shape. If you are trying to conceive, it may be worth adopting a Mediterranean-style diet.