Table II.
Adjusted semen quality parameters [mean (95% CI)] according to the intake of fruits and vegetables.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | P valuea | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of men | 38 | 39 | 39 | 39 | |
| Median intake of fruits and vegetables (min, max) | 1.5 (0.6, 2.2) | 2.8 (2.2, 3.5) | 4.1 (3.5, 4.8) | 6.0 (4.9, 12.9) | |
| Total sperm count (millions) | |||||
| Model 1b | 140 (107, 183) | 144 (107, 193) | 106 (81, 139) | 109 (83, 143) | 0.14 |
| Model 2c | 122 (89, 166) | 144 (109, 189) | 107 (86, 134) | 133 (93, 191) | 0.95 |
| Sperm concentration (millions/ml) | |||||
| Model 1b | 52.7 (38.9, 71.2) | 55.1 (40.8, 74.4) | 38.7 (30.1, 49.7) | 53.8 (40.7, 71.2) | 0.83 |
| Model 2c | 50.2 (35.2, 71.5) | 55.0 (41.1, 73.7) | 38.3 (30.6, 47.9) | 59.3 (41.1, 85.7) | 0.93 |
| Total motility (% PR + NP) | |||||
| Model 1b | 47.9 (40.5, 55.3) | 45.9 (38.4, 53.5) | 43.2 (36.6, 49.9) | 46.1 (39.5, 52.7) | 0.67 |
| Model 2c | 44.7 (36.5, 52.9) | 45.6 (38.6, 52.7) | 43.5 (37.3, 49.7) | 51.5 (41.1, 61.8) | 0.50 |
| Progressive motility (% PR) | |||||
| Model 1b | 27.3 (22.6, 32.0) | 25.5 (20.8, 30.3) | 27.3 (21.2, 33.4) | 26.2 (22.1, 30.3) | 0.84 |
| Model 2c | 26.2 (21.1, 31.4) | 25.8 (21.4, 30.3) | 27.3 (21.2, 33.4) | 28.0 (21.5, 34.4) | 0.66 |
| Sperm morphology (% normal) | |||||
| Model 1b | 5.9 (4.9, 6.9) | 5.9 (4.8, 7.0) | 6.5 (5.5, 7.5) | 6.9 (5.8, 7.9) | 0.14 |
| Model 2c | 6.2 (4.8, 7.6) | 6.0 (4.9, 7.2) | 6.4 (5.5, 7.2) | 6.6 (5.1, 8.1) | 0.71 |
| Ejaculate volume (ml) | |||||
| Model 1b | 3.0 (2.6, 3.4) | 2.8 (2.5, 3.2) | 3.1 (2.6, 3.5) | 2.4 (2.0, 2.8)* | 0.06 |
| Model 2c | 2.9 (2.3, 3.4) | 2.9 (2.5, 3.2) | 3.1 (2.7, 3.5) | 2.5 (2.0, 3.0) | 0.55 |
PR, progressive motility; NP, non-progressive motility; CI: confidence interval.
aEstimated using median intake in each quartile as a continuous variable.
bModel 1 was adjusted for total energy intake, abstinence time (missing, 0–2 days, 2–3 days, 3–4 days and ≥4 days).
cModel 2 was adjusted for total energy intake, abstinence time, age, BMI, moderate-vigorous physical activity, race, prudent and western dietary patterns, smoking status and history of varicocele.
*P-value for trend <0.05 compared with men in the lowest quartile of intake.