Study Reveals Link Between Low Blood Phosphate and Male Fertility Issues

A recent study has uncovered an association between low phosphate levels in the blood and diminished sperm quality in men facing infertility challenges. This research was presented at a joint congress hosted by the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology.

Over the past five decades, there has been a significant decline in sperm counts globally, with a notable drop in overall sperm quality. Approximately 15% of heterosexual couples experience infertility, with male fertility issues contributing to nearly half of these cases. However, for most men dealing with infertility, the underlying cause remains unidentified. Various factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices, nutritional habits, and hormonal fluctuations, have been found to influence male reproductive health. For instance, vitamin D deficiencies have recently been linked to poor semen quality.

The research team from Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Copenhagen University Rigshospitalet analyzed blood and semen samples from 1,242 infertile men in Denmark. They discovered that 36% of these individuals exhibited clinically low phosphate levels, a stark contrast to the 2-4% occurrence seen in the general Danish population. Notably, men with moderate phosphate deficiencies demonstrated a reduction in both motile and progressively motile sperm when compared to their peers with normal phosphate levels. Additionally, these men had slightly elevated levels of the hormone estradiol, although low phosphate levels did not impact sperm counts.

One of the lead researchers noted that the higher incidence of low phosphate concentrations among infertile men compared to the general population suggests that phosphate may have a significant role in male fertility. Phosphate is recognized for its contributions to energy production and bone health, and this study opens the door to potential fertility treatments involving phosphate supplementation for some men.

While the research does not establish a direct causal relationship between low phosphate and infertility, it highlights a possible connection that could be critical for future investigations and treatment approaches. Previous studies by the same team indicated that phosphate is essential for testicular health in men, as seminal fluid contains phosphate concentrations that are over 20 times higher than those found in blood.

In related studies, the researchers examined how phosphate transport mechanisms function in both rodents and humans. They found that increased phosphate levels in human semen correlate with enhanced sperm quality and higher testosterone levels. These findings suggest that maintaining adequate phosphate levels in the reproductive organs could be vital for optimal organ and sperm function.

Looking ahead, the research team aims to explore whether adjusting phosphate concentrations in the blood could positively influence fertility. The next phase of their research will involve controlled trials to assess the effects of phosphate as an intervention in male fertility, with potential implications for female fertility as well.