Post Date December, 03 2023
There is a saying circulating online that the larger the waist circumference, the poorer the sperm quality of men. A netizen listed the research conducted by the University of Aberdeen in the UK. The research team analyzed the sperm of more than 5000 adult men in Scotland, and divided these men into different groups based on their body mass index (BMI), which is the square of their weight (kilograms) divided by their height (meters). BMI between 20-25 is normal weight, 25-29 is overweight, and 30 and above are obese.
The results showed that men with a BMI of 20-25 had higher levels of normal sperm, while overweight and obese individuals not only had lower sperm volume (sperm count), but also had fewer normal sperm counts. Obese men are more than 60% likely to have fewer sperm, while their chances of carrying abnormal sperm are also more than 40%. The situation of overweight men is similar to that of obese men. The researchers excluded other factors that may affect sperm count in their study, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, and age, confirming that obesity does affect sperm count and sperm quality.
Is this statement circulating on the internet a rumor from netizens or does it have scientific basis.
Under the same conditions, the sperm quality of obese men is poorer than that of lean men
Experts say that for men, sperm production is like processing a product in a factory. The raw materials of sperm are proteins, sugars, nucleic acids, etc. Testosterone is an additive that must be added during the processing process. Testosterone is mainly secreted by sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules, and there is a relatively fixed range of testosterone hormones secreted by men. "Testosterone flows through the body with the blood, and the fatter a person becomes, the greater their volume. At the same testosterone level, the lower the testosterone concentration in the blood. This is more detrimental to sperm production."
In addition, human body temperature also has a significant impact on sperm production. The normal temperature of a person is around 37 ℃, while the optimal temperature for spermatogenesis is 34 ℃. Male genitals are exposed outside the body, which is conducive to spermatogenesis. Experiments have shown that the survival rate of sperm decreases by 15% for every 1 ℃ rise. "There is a medical theory that hyperthermia kills males." Experts say that obese men have more fat, which is not conducive to their heat release, and their body temperature is higher than that of normal people. High temperature in the scrotum can directly affect the spermatogenic ability of the testis, resulting in reduced sperm production; Sperm quality can also be affected.
Science Eats the "Seed" of Health
Nicotine in tobacco leaves has the effect of reducing sexual hormone secretion and killing sperm. Prolonged alcohol abuse can also damage spermatogenic cells in the testis, affecting sperm production. He suggested that infertile men should stay away from alcohol and tobacco. In addition, celery and cottonseed oil also contain spermicidal substances, and infertile men should also eat less. In addition, some foods can also help sperm production, but experts do not agree that everyone should eat male health products.
Seafood: Contains a variety of unsaturated acids, which can block the body's response to cigarettes and enhance the body's immune system; The content of zinc and selenium is also high, which is conducive to sperm production.
Lysine: Lysine is an essential component of sperm formation. Foods with high lysine content include eel, loach, squid, yam, tofu skin, etc.
Zinc: The trace element zinc is known as the "husband and wife harmony element". If a man lacks zinc, it can reduce sexual desire and sexual function, decrease sperm count by 30% to 40%, and even make him lose fertility. Zinc is mainly present in marine products and animal viscera.
Nucleic acid: Nucleic acid is the core substance that governs life activities, serving as the basis for protein synthesis and providing genetic information. It plays a key role in major life activities such as human growth, development, reproduction, and genetics. Foods rich in nucleic acids include beef, animal liver and kidney, shrimp, oysters, mushrooms, nuts, etc.
Vitamin E: Vitamin E is beneficial for sperm production and increases sperm activity. It is mainly found in egg yolks, beans, peanuts, and vegetable oils.
(Intern Editor: Cai Junyi)
