Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
M.Sc. Student of Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2
Assistant Professor of Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3
Associate Professor of Urology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
4
Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
5
Department Of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
10.22038/ijogi.2025.87083.6398
Abstract
Introduction:Sperm DNA damage, linked to male infertility, may result from oxidative stress, affected by pro- and antioxidant food intake. This study investigated the association between food group consumption and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in men with idiopathic infertility.
Methods:This case-control study was conducted at Avicenna fertility center from May 2024 to March 2025. Participants were divided into two groups: cases (150 infertile men with DFI≥30%) and controls (fertile men with DFI<20%). DFI was quantified using a standardized SDFA kit protocol. Dietary intake was assessed via a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire covering the past year's food group consumption Multivariate logistic regression assessed associations between food intake and DFI status, adjusting for confounders.
Results:In this study, individuals in the highest tertile of vegetable consumption showed a 28% reduced probability of high DFI (Ptrend=0.002), while fruit consumption was associated with a 35% risk reduction (Ptrend<0.001). Consumption of yellow/orange vegetables showed a protective effect with 23% reduction (Ptrend=0.005), and the combination of fruits and vegetables demonstrated a 40% risk reduction (Ptrend<0.001). Conversely, high-fat dairy intake was associated with 251% increased risk(Ptrend=0.001), processed meats with 227% increased risk(Ptrend=0.001)and solid fats with 119% increased sperm DFI risk (Ptrend<0.001). Fish consumption (28% reduction), nuts (39% reduction), and olive oil (21% reduction) all showed significant inverse associations with DFI(all Ptrend<0.05).
Conclusion:Diet rich in vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, and olive oil is inversely associated with sperm DFI, while the intake of high-fat dairy products, processed meats, and solid fats may increase the odds of sperm DNA damage.
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