The S.P.E.R.M study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the significance of plant-based eating on reproductive health in men (S.P.E.R.M)
IRAS ID
346893
Contact name
Michael Carroll
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Manchester Metroplitan University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 30 days
Research summary
Infertility affects around 1 in 6 couples in the UK and in almost half of all cases, a sperm issue is identified. Around the world, sperm counts have reduced by over 50% in the past 50 years. The reasons for this are not fully understood but lifestyle, including diet, is thought to have an impact on male reproductive health. Scientists are therefore trying to identify ways that men can improve their reproductive health through changes in lifestyle. It takes around 12 weeks for men to produce a new batch of sperm therefore any lifestyle change may take this long to show an effect on sperm quality.
Plant-based eating (defined for the purpose of this study as the exclusion of all meat, eggs and dairy products from the diet) has become increasingly popular due to its low environmental impact and its reported benefits to cardiovascular and gut health. A small number of observational studies have shown that plant-based diets may be positively associated with reproductive health in men, potentially increasing the production and quality of their sperm as well as improving erectile function. This study aims to investigate if a 12 week plant-based dietary intervention can improve male reproductive health.
44 omnivorous male volunteers will adopt a plant-based diet for 12 weeks. Semen parameters (including markers of oxidative stress and DNA integrity), erectile function (self-test using Rigiscan device), gut microbiome (stool sample), blood lipid, reproductive hormone and inflammation markers and BMI will be measured and recorded before and after the dietary intervention to look for changes. The same tests will be performed on a matched number of controls, who will maintain their usual diet.
The study hypothesises that adopting a plant-based diet can improve male reproductive health through changes in sperm production, function and transport and longer term through improvements in general health.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1426
Date of REC Opinion
4 Dec 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion