Discovery TV study to boost male fertility seeks volunteers

[BBC Science]

More couples than ever before are experiencing problems conceiving. Increasingly, male fertility problems are being diagnosed as the cause of this. There is now convincing evidence that a deficiency in certain nutrients in the male diet could contribute to low sperm quality. By simply adding certain foods to your diet, some scientists think you might be able to improve the quality of your sperm and therefore give your fertility a boost.

In a major new series, Discovery Health together with BBC Science is producing a ground-breaking guide to how food affects the human body. We'll cut through headline-grabbing food claims to reveal the science of how the food you eat impacts on your life.

Leading scientists are working with the production team to devise studies that will advance our understanding of how food and diet can influence the way our bodies work.

It has been suggested that lifestyle and diet can dramatically affect fertility both in men and women. This is your chance to be involved with the series and to contribute to the scientific understanding in this area.

We are looking for couples who are trying to conceive, but are experiencing difficulties due to the male partner's low sperm-count.

This is an opportunity for you to trial an easy to stick to diet, tailor made for you by a leading fertility nutritionist. It involves simply adding two smoothies per day (ingredients provided by us), to what you usually eat. The diet is designed with the aim of boosting male fertility by improving the quality and quantity of sperm.

If you decide to take part, you will have the benefit of regular mentoring, sperm analysis and the support of a fertility dietician.

Please note that we are looking for men who live in the US, UK or Germany, are non-smokers, not obese, have not have had genital surgery (circumcision is fine) and have a low sperm count (not no sperm).

If you'd like to find out more about the series, the science behind this study and what it would mean to take part email Jess.

All calls will be treated in strict confidence and there is no obligation at this stage.