Role of Mediterranean Diet and Ultra-Processed Foods on Sperm Parameters: Data from a Cross-Sectional Study.
Plain-language summary
This study looked at how diet relates to sperm quality, comparing the Mediterranean diet, which is built on seasonal, fresh and whole foods, against ultra-processed foods, which are high in additives, sugar, fat and salt and low in nutrients. It assessed 358 men, average age 35, at a fertility centre, scoring their diets and measuring both semen quality and hormones. Closer adherence to the Mediterranean diet went with healthier sperm, and with lower FSH and LH, the two pituitary signals the body pushes up when the testicles are underperforming, so lower is generally the better sign here. Testosterone, SHBG and free testosterone were measured too. Eating more ultra-processed food went with poorer sperm, particularly viability and shape, but showed no link to any hormone. The diet associations held regardless of age or weight.
Key findings
- Higher Mediterranean diet adherence linked to better sperm parameters
- More ultra-processed food intake tied to worse sperm quality
- Diet effects on hormones (FSH, LH) only seen in men with higher baseline FSH
How to analyze the study yourself
- Study type
- Cross-sectional studies are good at spotting associations but cannot prove cause and effect.
- Population
- Men visiting a fertility clinic, average age 35.
- Funding
- Not reported
- Watch for
- This study found that men eating closer to a Mediterranean pattern had healthier sperm and lower FSH and LH, a sign the testicles are working without being driven hard. Ultra-processed food tracked with worse sperm but did not move hormones either way. If you are trying to conceive, it may be worth shifting toward fresh whole foods and cutting the packaged stuff.