NUTR 301, Exam 1 Case Study: Diet and Male Fertility

15

Infertillity affects approximately __% of couples worldwide, around 70 million couples of reproductive age.

30, 20

Male Factor Contribution: Accounts for % of infertility cases; combined male and female factors account for __%.

oligospermia asthenozoospermia teratozoospermia

Three main disorders causing male infertility

Oligospermia

Low sperm concentration.

Asthenozoospermia

Reduced or total lack of sperm motility.

Teratozoospermia

Insufficient percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa.

Western Dietary Pattern

Characterized by high intake of animal protein, saturated fats, and low consumption of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Trans-Fatty Acids

Lower ejaculate sperm concentration and overall sperm count; linked to endocannabinoid dysfunction.

Processed Meats

Inversely associated with total sperm count and motility due to high fat content and preservatives.

Oxidative Stress

Involved in 30%-80% of male subfertility cases; causes sperm DNA fragmentation and reduced motility.

HPG Axis Dysfunction

Increased aromatase activity in obesity leads to hormonal imbalances affecting fertility.

Mediterranean Dietary Pattern

Includes abundant fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats; improves sperm concentration and motility.

First-Line Intervention

Gradual weight loss and dietary modifications, along with regular exercise, for infertile obese men.

Antioxidant Therapy

Combining vitamins and nutrients to reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and improve semen parameters.

Gut Dysbiosis

A shift in gut flora due to high-fat diets, contributing to impaired fertility.

Environmental Contaminants

Pesticides and chemicals (like BPA) can disrupt endocrine function and negatively affect fertility.

Sweetened Beverages

Linked to decreased semen volume and sperm concentration.

Pro-inflammatory Cytokines

Adipose tissue secretes these cytokines, further impairing spermatogenesis.