Can a high-protein diet - the cornerstone of several of the hottest weight-loss plans - make it tougher for women to become pregnant? New research suggests this might be the case - at least in mice.
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High-protein diets hinder conception
American researchers found that a diet containing 25 percent protein led to only 26 percent of mice embryos developing into mothers, compared to 70 percent of embryos on a diet consisting of 14 percent protein.
The findings were presented Monday at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, in Berlin.
Another study presented at the conference suggested that the radiation from cell phones may reduce a man's sperm count by one-third, and diminish sperm's ability to swim. Both results would significantly lower a man's chances of fathering a child, according to The Scotsman, a Scottish newspaper.
How the study was conducted
The research, by scientists from the University of Szeged in Hungary, followed 221 men for 13 months. Men who made lengthy calls had fewer rapidly motile sperm - 36 percent - compared to men who didn't use the phones - 51 percent.
News from the conference wasn't all bad, however.
British researchers reported that lab tests using a chemical from the khat plant, which is popular in sections of East Africa, enabled sperm to become fertile faster and stay fertile longer, compared to untreated sperm.
The researchers say the finding may one day lead to products to help couples conceive, BBC News Online reported. – (HealthDayNews)
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