4 ms·
Sperm counts are on the decline – could plastics be to blame?
- YUMad 7y agoIt is partly a problem, but a big part is the demonization of animal fats in the west, especially cholesterol. Our bodies use cholesterol to synthesize testosterone. Low intake of cholesterol=low testosterone. Vitamin D is also necessary, and most men in west are deficient.
- Mirioron 7y agoI find it odd how little they talked about testosterone. Testosterone levels have been decreasing quite significantly over the years.[0] [0] https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilhowe/2017/10/02/youre-not-the-man-your-father-was/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilhowe/2017/10/02/youre-not-t...
- amvalo 7y agoThere was recently a study that found the same decline in dogs, which suggests an environmental cause.
- YUMad 7y agoThat is very interesting, could you link it? I wonder if they controlled for store-bought food vs meat-fed. First thing that comes to mind is that most dogs are fed processed, mostly vegetable-based food these days.
- technics256 7y agohttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-39913-9 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-39913-9
- YUMad 7y agoThanks!
- jobigoud 7y agoPeople ate way less meat a few decades ago and hence less cholesterol. I don't see how this could be a factor.
- YUMad 7y agoSure, but I said 'animal fats'. Lard was used extensively in those times.
- dTal 7y agoThere are probably multiple interacting factors - but while we're all piling on with pet theories, here's one I don't see mentioned enough: simple lack of exercise (and sunlight). Globally, people are more sedentary than ever. Exercise boosts testosterone.