Food with Influence in the Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to summarize the influence of nutritional factors, including dairy, on male and female sexual and reproductive health.
Results Summary
Whole milk improves women's fertility, while men benefit from skim milk. The study did not report adverse effects of dairy consumption.
Population
General population (men and women)
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Obesity | decrease | male fertility | men | - | has a negative influence | #1 |
weight loss | increase | male fertility | men | - | improves | #2 |
Food insufficiency | increase | sexual risk behaviours | women | - | is associated with increased | #3 |
trans-fatty acids | decrease | fertility | - | - | prejudices | #4 |
high glycemic index food | decrease | fertility | - | - | prejudices | #5 |
high carbohydrate diet | decrease | fertility | - | - | prejudices | #6 |
high animal protein intake | decrease | fertility | - | - | prejudices | #7 |
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids | increase | fertility | - | - | improve | #8 |
low glycemic index food | increase | fertility | - | - | improve | #9 |
low carbohydrate diet | increase | fertility | - | - | improve | #10 |
vegetable proteins | increase | fertility | - | - | improve | #11 |
antioxidants | increase | fertility | - | - | improve | #12 |
Isoflavones | decrease | men fertility | men | - | have a negative impact | #13 |
Isoflavones | increase | sexual health | menopausal women | - | improve | #14 |
Whole milk | increase | women fertility | women | - | improves | #15 |
skim milk | increase | men fertility | men | - | benefit | #16 |
yohimbine | increase | efficacy | - | - | promising | #17 |
vitamin B | increase | efficacy | - | - | promising | #18 |
L-arginine | increase | efficacy | - | - | promising | #19 |
vitamin D | increase | efficacy | - | - | promising | #20 |
BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction and infertility are conditions with high prevalence in the general population. Nutritional factors have been reported to have an impact on sexual and reproductive health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to summarize the data on nutritional factors that have influence on male and female sexual and reproductive function, including nutritional status, specific foods (e.g. dairy food), nutrients and other food components and dietary supplements. METHOD: A literature search was performed using Cochrane Library, Medline and Science Direct databases without time limitations. RESULTS: Obesity has a negative influence on male fertility, and weight loss improves male fertility. Food insufficiency is associated with increased sexual risk behaviours, more significant in women. Regarding macronutrients and group foods, trans-fatty acids, high glycemic index food, high carbohydrate diet and high animal protein intake prejudices fertility; omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, low glycemic index food and low carbohydrate diet, vegetable proteins and antioxidants improve fertility. Isoflavones have a negative impact on men fertility and improve sexual health of menopausal women. Whole milk improves women fertility, but men benefit from skim milk. Concerning dietary supplements, there is weak evidence sustaining efficacy, and the most promising supplements are yohimbine, vitamin B, L-arginine and vitamin D. CONCLUSION: The compiled results indicate that despite the multifactorial etiology of sexual/ reproductive dysfunction, nutritional factors may affect the sexual and reproductive health in both men and women. However, it is necessary to further study to clarify this association and simultaneously improve the approach and treatment of patients with sexual and/or reproductive problems.