Tomatoes revealed as key superfood for increasing male fertility

Lycopene, which is found in tomatoes, can be used to improve male fertility and sperm quality.

16:17 06 May 2014

A study conducted by The Clinic’s Centre for Reproductive Medicine has given new hope to British couples who are having a hard time conceiving. 

 

According to the report, which reviewed 12 studies by different groups around the world, Lycopene found in tomatoes could be used to boost fertility in men and can improve sperm quality. 

 

The ingredient, which gives tomatoes their bright red colour, could increase sperm count by up to 70per cent. For this reason, a leading support group for infertile people has started a year-long survey to see if giving a daily high-lycopene supplement will lead to more pregnancies. 

 

Karen Veness, a spokeswoman for Britain’s Infertility Network, said: ‘We are really positive about these findings.

 

‘They fit in with message we are trying to get out there, and we’re very keen to do an observational study to see if we can help men.

 

‘There’s an assumption that infertility is a female issue because women are the ones who have the babies, but half the time it is down to problems with sperm function or quality.’