Relationship between Food Group Intake and Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index in Idiopathic Infertile Men

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Nutrition Sciences, Department of Molecular Cellular Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Urology, Reproductive Biotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.

4 PhD of Nutrition Sciences, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

5 PhD of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.87083.6398

Abstract

Introduction: Damage to sperm DNA may be linked to male infertility. The factors related to this damage is oxidative stress, affected by pro- and antioxidant food intake. This study was conducted with aim to investigate the association between food group consumption and sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in men with idiopathic infertility.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted from May 2024 to March 2025 on 300 men referring to the Avicenna Infertility Center. The case group consisted of 150 men with sperm DFI >30%, and the control group included 150 men with DFI <20%. DFI was quantified using a standardized SDFA kit protocol. Dietary intakes were collected using a valid and reliable semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire for the past year. The relationship of each food group with sperm DFI was examined. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 22) and Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U tests, and logistic regression. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The 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.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 6
August 2025
Pages 36-50

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