Soy Food Effects on Semen Quality
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Isoflavones are plant-derived polyphenoloic compounds with weak estrogenic activity found mainly in soybeans and soy-derived products. High isoflavone intake has been reported to be associated with decreased animal fertility. The impact of high isoflavone intake on human fertility is unknown. This Cross-sectional study assesses isoflavone intake in males of sub fertile couples who had semen analyses. The questionnaire was designed to assess intake of 15 soy-based foods in the last three months was collected.
100 men with semen data and completed questionnaires were studied. There was an inverse association between soy food intake and sperm concentration that remained significant when evaluated with respect to age, abstinence, body mass, and caffeine, each of tobacco intake. There was no impact on sperm motility of morphology.
Authors:
J. E, Chavarro, S. M. Sadio, T. L. Toth, R. Hauser Department of Nutrition. Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA: Department of Urology. Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA: Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Service. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA: Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology. Harvard School of Public Health Boston. MA.
Editorial Comment:
This study highlights our societal concern with the impact of diet on health. The sperm concentrations were lower while the semen volume was increased in this study. One would have to question the impact of the isoflavones on populations that traditionally have diet rich in these compounds. Of course the findings of this study rely on recollection of those completing surveys and this is a significant limitation. This is an area which will undoubtedly be the subject of further investigation.
Written by Harris M. Nagler, M.D., a Contributing Editor with UroToday.com
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