Source: Sheffield, University of | Summary: A pioneering study is being launched to investigate if a simple extra nutrient can boost male fertility. It is estimated that one in six couples are unable to conceive -- in about half of cases the problem is caused by poor sperm quality.
"Scientists at the University of Sheffield are launching a pioneering study to investigate if a simple extra nutrient can boost male fertility.
Studies have already shown that lycopene, the red pigment compound found most readily in sun-ripened tomatoes, can boost sperm count by up to 70 per cent, as well as conferring other benefits on the male reproductive system.
Researchers led by Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology, and Dr Elizabeth Williams, Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition, at the University's Department of Oncology and Human Metabolism are launching a 12-week trial to see if raising blood lycopene levels improves sperm quality.
It is estimated that one in six couples are unable to conceive -- in about half of cases the problem is caused by poor sperm quality.
Professor Pacey said: "Studies elsewhere in the world have shown that the antioxidant properties of lycopene seem to have a beneficial effect on sperm quality and we want to investigate this further.
"Production of sperm takes three months. This study will tell us if lycopene improves the quality of sperm already in development by reducing DNA damage, and whether it produces an overall increase in the number of mature sperm produced overall..."
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