Study Title:
Effect of Nut Consumption on Semen Quality and Functionality in Healthy Men Consuming a Western-Style Diet
Authors & Journal:
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2018). Salas-Huetos A, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J, et al.
What the Researchers Found:
In this randomized controlled trial, healthy men consuming a Western-style diet were assigned to either continue their usual diet or add 60 grams (~ 1/3 to 1/2 cup) of mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts) daily for 14 weeks.
Compared with the control group, the men consuming nuts experienced:
- Improved sperm count
- Improved sperm motility
- Improved sperm vitality
- Improved sperm morphology
- Reduced sperm DNA fragmentation
These changes occurred within approximately one spermatogenesis cycle (about 3 months).
Why This Study Matters
This is one of the few randomized controlled dietary studies demonstrating that a whole-food intervention can positively influence multiple measures of sperm quality, including DNA fragmentation. The findings suggest that foods rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols may help protect sperm from oxidative stress and support reproductive health.
While no single food can guarantee fertility success, this study provides encouraging evidence that nutrition may play a meaningful role in sperm development and function.
My Take as a Fertility Dietitian
I like this study because it focuses on real food rather than supplements alone. Nuts provide a unique combination of omega-3 fats, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, plant protein, fiber, and polyphenols—all nutrients that may help support sperm health.
I also appreciate that improvements were seen in just 14 weeks, which aligns closely with the time required for new sperm to develop. This reinforces an important message I share with my clients: small, consistent nutrition changes today may influence sperm quality over the next 2–3 months.
Rather than viewing nuts as a “fertility food,” I see this study as support for a broader dietary pattern rich in minimally processed foods, healthy fats, and antioxidant-containing plant foods.