Trying To Conceive? Watch Your Man’s Diet
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Eating half a serving of soy products a day can cut a man’s sperm count nearly in half, according to Harvard University researchers.
Researchers released preliminary results from a study of couples undergoing fertility treatment. They asked the men about their diets, and specifically if and how often they ate soy products. Men who ate as little as half a serving a day had 40% fewer sperm than those who rarely ate soy.
Soy foods contain high amounts of chemicals called isoflavones, which mimic the effects of the hormone oestrogen in the body. The Harvard scientists speculate that sperm production is disrupted in the presence of the apparent female hormone.
Some other scientists are skeptical about the results. In many Asian countries soy is an important part of the diet, and infertility rates are similar in Asia and western countries.
Still, if you are trying to conceive, and your man eats soy products, perhaps you might want to consider suggesting that he reduces the amount he consumes. Soy is in foods such as tofu, tempeh, miso soup, some energy bars, veggie burgers and soy milk.
If he is a vegan, vegetarian, lactose intolerant or has another reason to eat soy, but wants to reduce the amount in his diet, talk to a doctor or dietitian first about other sources of protein. Malnourished men are no good for baby making!
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