Poor semen quality is associated with generous intake of saturated fats.
This study evaluated the effect of high saturated fat diets on semen quality. Using validated food frequency questionnaires, researchers examined the fat intakes of 701 Danish young men recruited from the general population. The semen quality, sperm concentration, and total sperm count of each subject were also assessed.
Researchers found a high incidence of low sperm concentration and total sperm count among subjects who regularly consumed diets high in saturated fats. Men with the high saturated fat intake were found to have a 41% lower total sperm count and 38 % lower sperm concentration than those with the lowest saturated fat intake in this study. The findings of the study indicate that increased consumption of saturated fats may be detrimental to male reproductive health.