Abstract
Diet might affect male reproductive potential, but the biochemical mechanisms involved in the modulation of sperm quality remain poorly understood. While a Western diet is considered a risk factor for male infertility, the Mediterranean diet seems to protect against male infertility; moreover, the role of a vegetarian habitus in the preservation of sperm quality is controversial. The aim of this review is to analyze the molecular effects of single nutrients on sperm quality, focusing on their involvement in biochemical mechanisms related to sperm bioenergetics. It appears that diets rich in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and low in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) negatively affect sperm quality, whereas unsaturated fatty acids supplementation ameliorates sperm quality. In fact, the administration of PUFA, especially omega-3 PUFA, determined an increase in mitochondrial energetic metabolism and a reduction in oxidative damage. Carbohydrates and proteins are also nutritional modulators of oxidative stress and testosterone levels, which are strictly linked to sperm mitochondrial function, a key element for sperm quality. Moreover, many dietary natural polyphenols differentially affect (positively or negatively) the mitochondrial function, depending on their concentration. We believe that an understanding of the biochemical mechanisms responsible for sperm quality will lead to more targeted and effective therapeutics for male infertility.
Highlights
Nutrition can affect, negatively or positively, sperm quality [1,2,3], and this effect depends on both quantitative and qualitative aspects of a diet, such as the calorie content of each macronutrient, as well as on the specific fatty acid, carbohydrate, and protein profiles.In this context, unhealthy hypercaloric diets and excessive intake of saturated and trans fatty acids have a negative impact on sperm quality and, on the fertilization process [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]
Despite a solid body of evidence showing the effects of nutrients and antioxidant molecules on male reproductive potential, there is little knowledge concerning the potential mechanisms involved in the modulation of sperm quality
The aim of this review is to summarize the most recent evidence regarding the impact of nutrients and antioxidant molecules on sperm quality, with a particular focus on their involvement in biochemical mechanisms related to sperm bioenergetics
Summary
Negatively or positively, sperm quality [1,2,3], and this effect depends on both quantitative and qualitative aspects of a diet, such as the calorie content of each macronutrient (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), as well as on the specific fatty acid, carbohydrate, and protein profiles In this context, unhealthy hypercaloric diets and excessive intake of saturated and trans fatty acids have a negative impact on sperm quality and, on the fertilization process [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. We believe that an understanding of the biochemical mechanisms responsible for sperm quality will lead to more targeted and effective therapeutics for male infertility
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
