Too much meat, dairy may affect male fertility

April 15, 2009 A new study finds men who eat a lot of processed meat and full fat dairy may have poorer quality sperm than those who eat more fruit, vegetables and low fat dairy.

This small study in the journal Fertility and Sterility does not prove that these foods contribute to or protect against sperm abnormalities.

But researchers say the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables may help protect sperm from damage. And high fat foods may expose men to higher levels of substances that includes steroids and various chemicals in the environment.