A preconception cohort study of sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and semen quality

BackgroundDietary factors, including high sugar intake, may have adverse effects on male reproduction. Studies of the association between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and semen quality have reported inconsistent results.ObjectiveWe estimated the effects of SSB consumption on semen quality in a North American preconception cohort study.MethodsWe analyzed baseline data from 690 males (n = 1,247 samples) participating in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) during 2015-2022. Participants aged >= 21 years completed a baseline questionnaire on which they reported information about intake of SSBs, including sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices. After enrollment, we invited U.S. participants to a semen testing substudy, in which they collected and analyzed two samples using an at-home semen testing kit. We used linear regression models to estimate adjusted percent differences (%D) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations of SSB intake with semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), motility, and total motile sperm count (TMSC). We used modified Poisson regression models to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs for the association of SSB intake with World Health Organization semen parameter cut points.ResultsRelative to non-consumers of SSBs, those who consumed >= 7 SSBs/week had lower semen volume (%D = -6, 95% CI: -13, 0), sperm concentration (%D = -22, 95% CI: -38, 0), TSC (%D = -22, 95% CI: -38, -2), motility (%D = -4, 95% CI: -10, 2), and TMSC (%D = -25, 95% CI: -43, -2). High SSB consumers also had greater risks of low sperm concentration (<= 16 million/mL; RR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.11, 3.21), low TSC (<= 39 million; RR = 1.75, 95% CI: 0.92, 3.33), low motility (<= 42%; RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.75) and low TMSC (<= 21 million; RR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.38). Associations were stronger among participants with body mass index >= 25 kg/m2.ConclusionGreater SSB consumption was associated with reduced semen quality in a North American preconception cohort.