Effects of Calorie Restriction on Preserving Male Fertility Particularly in a State of Obesity

Purpose of ReviewHighlight the importance of exploring nutritional interventions that could be applied as alternative or supplementary therapeutic strategies to enhance men's fertility.Recent FindingsLifestyle choices have prompted extensive discussions regarding its implications and applications as a complementary therapy. The growing concern over the decline in sperm quality underscores the urgency of investigating these alternative interventions. Calorie restriction (CR) has emerged as a promising strategy to improve male fertility. While the efficacy of CR depends on factors like age, ethnicity, and genetics, observational studies and clinical trials, such as CALERIE, have shown an improvement in serum testosterone level and sexual drive in men with or without obesity. Additionally, in a case-control study, a high intake of saturated and trans-fatty acids improved sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men. Vast data demonstrate that CR positively impacts sperm count and motility; however, its effects on sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation remain less clear, and the literature has shown discrepancies, mainly due to the nature of technical-dependent assessment tools.SummaryThe review advocates a personalized approach to CR, considering individual health profiles to maximize its benefits. It underscores the need for routine, accessible diagnostic techniques in male reproductive health. It suggests that future research should focus on personalized dietary interventions to improve male fertility and overall well-being in individuals with or without obesity and unravel CR's immediate and lasting effects on semen parameters in men without obesity.