Soya 'Damages Sperm': Heavy Tofu-Based Vegetarian Diet Can Affect Men's Chances Of Becoming A Father

Men who eat lots of foods containing soya may be harming their chances of becoming a father, research suggests.

Fertility experts found evidence that natural chemicals in soya – used to make vegetarian and vegan products such as tofu – could damage sperm.

Soya, derived from beans native to East Asia, is increasingly consumed as an alternative to meat and dairy. 

Natural chemicals found in soya – used to make products such as tofu – could damage sperm

Cow’s milk sales have fallen, for example, as demand for milk made from soya and almonds has surged.

Researchers in Spain believe the issue could lie with chemicals called phytoestrogens, which mimic female hormones and are found in soya. 

These appeared to reduce sperm cells’ speed, as well as increasing the proportion that had an inadequate number of chromosomes.

Both can make it harder to conceive.

The team initially set out to measure the impact of chemicals called ‘endocrine disrupters’ such as Bisphenol A, used to make plastic coatings. 

But when they examined their results – which included tracking the diets of the 25 volunteers over nearly two years – they found eating soya actually had the biggest effect.

Study author Dr Francisco Dominguez, of the University of Valencia and IVI Fertility, which has clinics in Spain and the UK, said the results could help men having fertility treatment improve their chances of success.

But fertility expert Professor Allan Pacey, of Sheffield University, said: ‘This is a relatively small study of only 25 men and so I think we should be cautious about what we can conclude from it.’

Source:          DailyMail.co.uk