Too much meat and dairy harms sperm
Scientists in Spain have revealed how meat and dairy foods may be linked to fertility problems. This study found that men who ate the most meat and full-fat dairy products had fewer and slower sperm, while those who ate the most fruit and vegetables had higher quality sperm that swam faster. Lead researcher Professor Jaime Mendiola said “…among the couples with fertility problems coming to the clinics, men with good semen quality ate more vegetables and fruit, which means more vitamins, folic acid and fibre and fewer proteins and fats, than those with poor sperm quality”.
Mendiola et al., 2009. Food intake and its relationship with semen quality: a case-control study. Fertility and Sterility. 91 (3) 812-818.
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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