Many men, especially those who are vegetarian, consume soy bean on a regular basis, in order to meet their daily protein requirement. This bean is not only available in various forms (like tofu, tempeh and soymilk), but is also believed to have numerous health and nutritional benefits. However, you may want to think twice before you reach out for your favorite soy beverage or food item the next time.
A recent study conducted on the correlation between soy and fertility in the male population claims that men should avoid this food item, in case they are planning to have a baby. This research, carried out by Dr. Jorge Chavarro as well as his colleagues from Harvard School of Public Health, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive Kidney Diseases, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences & the Yerby Post-doctoral Fellowship Program. It suggests that men who consume over two portions of various soy-based products per week have around 41m fewer sperm / ml of semen, as compared to men who have never consumed soy.
Many health experts refute the findings of this study, claiming that it mainly comprised of men who were either obese or overweight and were presented to a fertility clinic. They argue that billions of soy-eating men around the world have gone on to father a child, without any difficulty; on the other hand several men who have never eaten soy in their lives often face fertility problems.
Researchers of the study did clarify that soy bean is not likely to make healthy men sterile, though it could have a significant impact on those who are already suffering from fertility problems.
In conclusion, the overall effects of soy on male fertility still need to be studied in detail.
According to a recent study published in the Human Reproduction journal, the regular consumption of soybean could reduce sperm concentration in men by half. The authors of the report claim that plant estrogens in soy products interfere with normal hormonal signals, which in turn could decrease sperm count. The findings of this study show that men who consume two or more portions of soy each day are likely to have around 41 million less sperm / milliliter of semen that those who do not eat soybean at all.
Dr. Jorge Chavarro, who studied the effects of soy on sperm count, added that the higher the intake of soy-based food, the lower a man's sperm concentration is likely to be.
While soy consumption may not reduce the sperm count in healthy men, it could have an adverse impact on those who are already facing fertility problems. Richard Sharpe from the Human Reproductive Sciences Unit at the Medical Research Council suggests that in case you already have got a low sperm count, you should try and avoid soy products, as they could affect your fertility by decreasing your sperm count even further.
Testosterone can be described as a steroid hormone, which stimulates the growth and development of male sexual organs and characteristics. In men, this hormone is produced and stored in the testicles.
Several studies have been conducted to gauge the effects of soy-based foods on the testosterone levels in men. Most of the findings indicate that while soy could raise the estrogen (a female hormone) levels in a man over a period of time, it does not reduce the levels of testosterone.
The Fertility and Sterility journal by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine published the findings of a 2008-2009 study conducted by researchers from Loma Linda University, University of Rochester Medical Center and University of Minnesota. The team of researchers concluded that soy does not have a significant effect on the testosterone levels in the body.
However, further studies still need to be conducted in order to determine the exact effects of soy on the testosterone levels in men.
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