The Truth About Tomatoes and Sperm: Can Lycopene Give Men Super Sperm?

Scientists from the University of Sheffield in England further investigate the link of a nutrient abundant in tomatoes and the increase of sperm count in men. Previous studies have shown that lycopene can boost sperm by 70 percent, now researchers would like to know if raising lycopene can improve fertility in men.

Lycopene and Fertility in Men

Scientists have planned a 12-week trial to determine if lycopene, the red pigment compound found in tomatoes, can indeed increase sperm count and improve overall fertility in men, India Times reports. "This study will tell us if lycopene improves the quality of sperm already in development by reducing DNA damage, and whether it produces an overall increase in the number of mature sperm produced overall," lead researcher Allan Pacey said. He's a professor of Andrology at the University of Sheffield in South Yorkshire, Parents added.

For the study, the researchers are looking for 60 male volunteers between ages of 18 and 30. The volunteers will be divided into two groups, one taking a lycopene supplement called XY Pro and the other taking in placebo pills. Each participant also needs to submit three sperm and blood samples to monitor lycopene levels: at the beginning of the experiment, halfway through and at the end.

After this experiment, they are looking into trying it out on infertile men to check if they can provide a solution to their problem. A previous study led by Ashok Agarwal has already established evidence that lycopene can boost sperm count by 70 percent.

"We know this compound is very beneficial and we are anxious to garner as much scientific evidence as possible for its use," Nigel Iskander said, spokesman for Cambridge Nutraceuticals which manufactures XY Pro, Science Daily reports.

The Recommendation

While previous studies support lycopene as an aid in sperm development and overall fertility in men, it is best to wait for the results of the new study. Currently, one in six couples is facing fertility issues. By improving the fertility in men, conceiving may not be a problem.

Professor Roger Kirby, a specialist in men's reproductive health from London has recommended the use of lycopene for a long time. Huffington Post quoted him saying, "I have been prescribing for it for many years, and I would welcome more trials to measure the benefit and prove how it works." 

Aside from improving fertility, Lycopene in tomatoes can also reduce the risk for prostate cancer. It has long since been known to improve heart functions. So there's more reason to incorporate tomatoes into your diet. To help you out, check out the different ways to use tomato in the video below: