Infertility: Can fasting help where medication has failed?

Aim of the study: Semen quality and male fertility are declining worldwide. Since it has been observed that diet can influence the normal and abnormal processes of sperm production, the relationship between dietary habits and semen parameters has attracted considerable interest.

Results: Twenty-three observational studies were included. The selected studies involved 8,477 healthy men and 1,204 men attending fertility clinics. Although there were some inconsistencies, possibly because nutrients affect fertile and infertile men differently, the results support the idea that diets containing fruit and vegetables, which provide vitamins, and fish or low-fat dairy products as the main source of protein are associated with better semen quality. Recommendations can be made with confidence because a healthy diet has many benefits, although further studies are needed to clarify the currently inconsistent findings and explain the mechanisms involved.

Aim of the study: Over the last decade, research on the relationship between diet and human fertility has expanded considerably, revealing several clear patterns. Taking folic acid supplements, particularly at doses higher than those recommended to prevent neural tube defects, has consistently been linked to a lower frequency of infertility, a lower risk of pregnancy loss, and greater success in infertility treatment.

Results: In fact, soy and soy supplements appear to have a beneficial effect in women undergoing infertility treatment. Similarly, as data from large, high-quality studies continue to accumulate, evidence that moderate alcohol and caffeine intake may harm the ability to become pregnant seems less convincing than it once did. Although our understanding of nutrition's role in fertility is far from complete, much progress has been made. The main gaps in current evidence include considering women's and men's diets together and testing the most consistent findings in randomized trials.

Aim of the study: A range of sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, including dietary habits, shape male fertility. However, few studies have examined these associations in Malaysia. This study investigates the links between dietary habits and sperm quality among male patients attending fertility clinics.

Results: Sperm quality was significantly associated with education level (P = 0.001) and household income (P = 0.017), but not with age or body mass index (BMI). Higher fruit consumption was significantly associated with better sperm quality (aOR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.94; P = 0.004), while frequent fast-food intake was linked to poorer sperm quality (aOR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.35; P = 0.039). Consumption of vegetables, dairy, meat, caffeine, and sugar-sweetened beverages was not significantly associated with sperm quality. This study demonstrates links between dietary habits, socioeconomic factors, and male fertility. Higher fruit intake and socioeconomic status were associated with better sperm quality, whereas fast-food consumption was linked to poorer outcomes. The study reinforces the importance of diet and socioeconomic status in shaping men's reproductive health.

Aim of the study: Diet and lifestyle interventions offer promising ways to improve male fertility. Our objective was to review and summarize existing observational and experimental human studies on the relationships between diet and recreational drug use, semen quality, and fertility outcomes.

Results: Low-to-moderate caffeine and alcohol intake by men does not appear to harm semen quality. However, high-quality research on this topic, focused on clinical fertility outcomes, should continue given the conflicting evidence, particularly in populations undergoing infertility treatment with assisted reproductive technology. Recreational drug use, including marijuana, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs, does not appear to benefit male reproductive health and should be avoided or stopped. In conclusion, men should be encouraged to eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, and seafood, and low in red and processed meats, sweets, and sugar-sweetened beverages. They should also avoid recreational drugs to improve their reproductive health.