New York - (Saba):
A new study has raised serious concerns about sucralose, the popular artificial sweetener, as findings indicate it may negatively affect male fertility.
In the study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers administered doses of sucralose to male mice over a period of two months and observed decreased sperm vitality, damage to testicular tissue, and hormonal disturbances.
These findings are particularly significant in light of the escalating global fertility crisis. The shocking irony is that recent studies show that men are responsible for nearly half of infertility cases, with sperm counts declining by more than 50% in Western countries since the 1970s.
However, experts caution against over-interpreting these results. Dr. Dan Nayot, a reproductive endocrinologist, points out that the research was conducted on rodents at high doses, which calls for caution when generalizing the results to humans. He also explains that the actual decline in testosterone levels over recent decades may be in the range of 20-25%, a worrying percentage, although lower than current estimates.
There are multiple factors behind this silent health crisis, with unhealthy lifestyles playing a major role. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and lack of physical activity all contribute to the decline in male reproductive health. Experts emphasize that the sperm production process, which takes between two and three months, is highly sensitive to these external influences.
In the face of this health challenge, experts recommend a preventative approach based on improving overall lifestyle. Dr. Nayot emphasizes the importance of good sleep, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet, along with the possibility of using some fertility-boosting nutritional supplements such as coenzyme Q10, zinc, and vitamin E.
He also notes that sperm health largely reflects an individual's overall health, making sperm care an indicator of overall health.
Scientists are now seeking to conduct further research to confirm these findings in humans. In the meantime, it seems wise to follow the principle that prevention is better than cure and to search for safer natural alternatives to artificial sweeteners.