Scientists name substance that enhances male fertility

Lycopene, a pigment that gives tomatoes a red color, can improve sperm motility and morphology, according to a study by the University of Sheffield.

They conducted an experiment with 60 healthy volunteers 19-30 years old. Every day for 12 weeks, half of them took supplements with lycopene, and the other half took a placebo. As a result, in the main group, the proportion of healthy-form spermatozoa and more active germ cells increased by about 40%. Such encouraging results have led scientists to begin preparations for larger studies.

The main task is to check the effectiveness of lycopene from the point of view of a successful pregnancy in couples having problems with this. Experts still do not know exactly how lycopene works. Since lycopene is an antioxidant, it is possible that it reduces sperm damage caused by reactive oxygen species.

Lycopene is found not only in tomatoes, but also in grapefruits, watermelons, guava and rose hips.

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