Popular artificial sweetener may sabotage fertility: alarming new study
New research in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives is raising concerns about sucralose — a widely used artificial sweetener sold under the brand name Splenda — suggesting it may negatively affect male fertility.
3 New research suggests sucralose — a widely used artificial sweetener — may negatively impact male fertility.
Laurentiu Iordache – stock.adobe.com
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Researchers administered doses of sucralose to male rats over two months, finding that the exposure led to decreased sperm viability, damage to testicular tissue and hormonal disruptions.
Translation? Splenda might just be sinking your swimmers.
Previous studies have explored links between artificial sweeteners and reproductive health, though findings have been mixed and often inconclusive.
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While this study's conclusions are noteworthy, there were limitations.
The research was conducted on rats, so the results may not directly apply to humans.
Additionally, the researchers noted that the amount of sucralose consumed by the rats probably exceeds that of human intake.
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The Post reached out to Splenda's manufacturer for comment.
The findings warrant further investigation, especially since infertility is a rising global health issue — with an estimated 12% to 15% of US couples struggling to conceive.
It may come as a surprise, but some studies indicate men are responsible for as many as half of infertility cases.
Some research even reports that sperm counts in Western countries have dropped by more than 50% since the 1970s.
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3 Some research shows sperm counts in Western countries have dropped by more than 50% since the 1970s.
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Dr. Dan Nayot, a reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist and chief medical adviser at testing and supplement company Bird&Be, told The Post that the statistic is likely not that high, but it's still problematic.
'Research shows a real decline in testosterone levels over the past few decades — likely closer to 20–25%, not 50% — but that's still a significant issue and shouldn't be dismissed,' Nayot said.
'Testosterone plays a critical role in sperm production, so lower levels can lead to reduced sperm quality and impaired fertility.'
While the reasons for the drop are not entirely clear, experts point the finger at some of the same factors contributing to the obesity epidemic.
3 To protect your family jewels, one infertility specialist recommends 'adopting healthier habits — such as improving sleep, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and maintaining a balanced diet.'
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'Sperm production is a continuous process, with mature sperm developing over approximately two to three months,' Nayot said.
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'This process is highly sensitive to lifestyle factors. Research consistently shows that smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity — to name a few — impair sperm quality. In fact, sperm health is often considered a marker of overall wellness, underscoring the importance of prioritizing your physical health.'
To protect your family jewels, Nayot recommends 'adopting healthier habits — such as improving sleep, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking and maintaining a balanced diet.'
He also suggests taking certain supplements — such as coenzyme Q10, zinc, vitamin E, L-carnitine, folate, selenium and DHA — to help swimmers stay afloat.
Based on this study, it also couldn't hurt to find your sweet release elsewhere!
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"It's based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of using needles, you use fingers, palms, elbows, or tools to stimulate the points," Dr. Parker explains. "The idea is to restore the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood through the body to promote healing, reduce tension, and support balance between the body and mind," she says. "From a Western perspective, acupressure may stimulate the nervous system, influence endorphin release, reduce cortisol, and activate the parasympathetic 'rest and digest' response," the doctor continues. According to The American Institute of Alternative Medicine, the practice is "based on the belief that applying firm pressure in specific acupoints stimulates the nervous system and brain to release endorphins and neurotransmitters to ease... pain." 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