It is suggested that there has been a worldwide decline in semen quality observed over the last several decades. While research has become increasingly focused on identifying diet and lifestyle factors that may have a negative effect on semen quality, many of the existing studies are of men seeking treatment for infertility, leading to data that is subject to selection bias and reduced generalizability. Additionally, there is a paucity in prospective studies of semen quality that target specific, easily modifiable, elements of diet. The effects of sugar sweetened beverage consumption on semen quality and male fertility is one such area. Several retrospective studies have explored this relationship, however, the findings remain inconclusive. The following review serves to analyze the existing research and identify the areas in which future research efforts should be focused in order to fulfill a current knowledge gap.
The proposed study is a randomized, non-blinded, longitudinal controlled trial nested within Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), an ongoing web-based preconception cohort study of pregnancy planners. The study proposes to assess the effectiveness of a two-part intervention in leading to dietary changes, and secondarily, determine whether or not decreased SSB consumption is associated with changes in semen quality. By utilizing an interventions-based approach, the study will not only offer a prospective analysis of the effects of a dietary modification on semen quality, but additionally, the intervention itself will serve as a tool to be used in the clinical management of male factor infertility going forward.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/43876 |
| Date | 11 February 2022 |
| Creators | Robertson, Taylor Rae |
| Contributors | Hatch, Elizabeth, Weinstein, John R. |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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