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Soy-based foods may reduce sperm count
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According to a recent study from the Harvard School of Public Health, men who consume as little as half a serving of soy products daily may be reducing their sperm count.
Headed up by lead researcher Dr. Jorge Chavarro, a research fellow in the department of nutrition at the school, his results showed daily male soy consumption lead to 41 million fewer sperm per milliliter; as compared to males who do not eat soy products; in a study conducted on 99 men who participated in the collection of this data. Average sperm counts are between 80-120 million per milliliter. The correlation had an even greater impact on over-weight or obese males.
Soy products included were soy milk, tofu, tofu and soy sausages, tempeh, soy burgers, soy bacon, soy cheese, soy ice cream and yogurts as well as numerous other soy-based products.
Although still inconclusive, the culprit may lie in increased male estrogen levels/activity as a result of soy intake. Raised male estrogen levels are now believed to have a negative effect on sperm count and production, however Chavarro says these findings are preliminary and more data is necessary on the correlation.
These preliminary results are available in the Oxford Journals online under Human Reproduction.
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