Is a Mediterranean diet associated with improved semen quality?

This study investigated if there is a link between the Mediterranean diet (MD) and semen parameters in men undergoing fertility treatment. 

They found that the MD was associated with normal sperm concentration and number. 

Infertility affects 15% of couples. In half of the cases, male infertility (MI) is the cause. It can be difficult to identify the cause of MI. Sperm number and concentration are two important semen parameters. They are an indicator of male fertility. There are many potential causes of MI. Some studies suggest environmental or lifestyle factors can cause MI. Improving lifestyle may also be a potential treatment for MI.

Diet may play an important role in MI. Some studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet (MD) may improve semen parameters. The MD includes a high intake of fruit, vegetable, fish and low intake of red meat and saturated fats. It is unclear if the MD is associated with fertility in men undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

This study included 309 men. These men were part of couples undergoing ART. Information on diet was obtained on the day of ART. A food frequency questionnaire was used to record the information. A coding system was used to classify foods that belonged to the MD. A MD score (MDS) was generated for each patient based on how well they adhered to it. Sperm concentration, number, and sperm volume were also analyzed. 

Low adherence to a MD was associated with lower sperm concentration and number. There was no effect on sperm volume. Increasing adherence to the MD was associated with higher sperm concentration and number.

The authors concluded that adherence to the MD was associated with normal sperm concentration and sperm number.

Diet patterns were self-reported. Some patients may over-report healthy habits. Similarly, they may under-report unhealthy habits. Semen was only collected once during the study. Semen parameters can be variable. More studies are needed.