Lycopene: Male fertility could be improved by nutrient found in tomato puree
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The nutrient Lycopene, found in tomatoes, has been found to help boost sperm quality, contributing to improvements in their shape, size and swimming capabilities.
Better quality sperm
A team of researchers from the University of Sheffield recruited 60 healthy males, aged between 19 and 30, to take part in a 12 week trial.
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Hide AdHalf of the volunteers took a 14mg supplement of LactoLycopene (the equivalent of two tablespoons of concentrated tomato puree) per day, while the other half were given placebo pills.
The sperm of the volunteers was tested at the start of the trial, at six weeks and at the end of the study to monitor the effects.
While there was no difference in sperm concentration, the proportion of healthy-shaped sperm and motility was almost 40 per cent higher in those taking lycopene.
Encouraging results
The Sheffield team said they opted to use a supplement for the study, as lycopene in food can be harder for the body to absorb. This method also meant they could be confident that each male received the same amount of the nutrient every day.
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Hide AdTo get the equivalent dose of lycopene, the volunteers would have needed to consume 2kg of cooked tomatoes per day.
As well as increased sperm quality, lycopene has also been linked to other health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
The results from study mark a positive step in improving male fertility, as Dr Liz Williams, who led the research, told the