Breakthrough UCLA Research Shows
Walnuts Improve Sperm Quality

The UCLA Walnut Study PRESS RELEASE and VIDEO TRANSCRIPT are available to download in the following languages (click to download):

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Link to UCLA Study:  Walnuts Improve Semen Quality in Men Consuming a Western Style Diet: Randomized Control Dietary Intervention Trial

First Study to Look at the Effects of a
Plant Source of Omega-3 on Sperm

Eating about two handfuls of walnuts a day may provide men the added boost they need to improve their fertility according to breakthrough research performed at the UCLA School of Nursing.

The study “Walnuts Improve Semen Quality in Men Consuming a Western Style Diet: Randomized Control Dietary Intervention Trial” is the first to look at the effects of a plant source of omega-3 on sperm.  The study findings are published August 15, 2012 in Biology of Reproduction’s Papers-in-Press.

There were 117 men, ages 21-35 participating in the 12-week study.  One group added 75 grams of whole-shelled walnuts to their diet every day.  The other group continued their usual diet but avoided eating tree nuts. 

“We found a significant improvement in sperm parameters in the group that consumed the walnuts,” said Professor Wendie Robbins, PhD, RN, UCLA School of Nursing and Fielding School of Public Health, “while the men who ate no tree nuts saw no change.”

Statistics show that one in six couples is infertile with about 40 percent of the cases due to a male factor. 

Food has been linked with human reproductive success throughout history.  Dietary habits and essential nutrients to promote successful reproductive outcomes have been identified for women, but healthy dietary habits and essential nutrients for men’s reproductive fitness are less clear.  In particular, evidence is limited for men who routinely consume Western-style diets that may lack optimal nutrients needed for health, sperm and fertility.

For More Information please contact: 

Laura Perry,
Director, Communications UCLA School of Nursing
818-212-6226 (mobile)
lperry@sonnet.ucla.edu

Kaley Todd, MS, RD or Rhiannon Salter
415-956-1791
kaley@torme.com or rsalter@torme.com
847-732-5878 or 415-505-6971 (mobiles)

Video development and distribution underwritten by the California Walnut Commission