The Relationship between the Amount of Saturated Fat Intake and Semen Quality in Men

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Infertility in men is one of the current problems of human society. Some studies suggest that the metabolic status of a man, including cholesterol intake, closely correlates with sperm function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between saturated fat intake and semen quality among men referring to the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all men who referred to the Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center. The study population consisted of 120 men selected through simple random sampling. The data collection tool consisted of a two-part questionnaire including a demographic and anthropometric characteristics form and the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The FFQ consists of 168 items that assess food and nutrient intake for 3 months. The reliability and validity of the instruments were confirmed in previous studies. Semen analysis was performed using computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) method. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression test were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Results showed that the chances of having semen volume of higher than 1.5 ml (normal volume) increased by 27.5 for every 1 g increase in total fat (CI: 1.11-1.46) (P = 0.001) and reduced 38 for every 1 g increase in saturated fat (CI: 0.42-0.90, P = 0.010). No association was found between semen quality and intake of dietary fats. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study and the prevalence of infertility in recent decades, changes in diet and saturated fatty acids intake may improve semen quality.