Men who drink just two cups of coffee per day could double their chance of becoming fathers thanks to stronger sperm and improved fertility, new research suggests.
Researchers analysed data from 500 couples trying for a baby in order to investigate the potential impact of caffeine on fertility. Contrary to previous research that suggested coffee may damage sperm, the latest study suggests the optimal amount of coffee men should drink each day is two cups.
Dr Sunni Mumford, lead author of study from the US National Institutes of Health, said, according to The Telegraph: “We were somewhat surprised by the results though the research on male caffeine intake and its effects on fertility is pretty mixed.
“These results highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in both male and female partners during sensitive windows of reproduction to influence fecundability, and the need for appropriate preconception guidance for couples seeking pregnancy.”
The study, which was presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine annual conference in Denver, also found women who drank one alcoholic drink every other day were 26 per cent less likely to conceive than women who didn’t drink.
Commenting on the results, Professor Sheena Lewis, an expert in reproduction at Queen’s University Belfast, said caffeine may boost male fertility because it affects two of the body’s chemicals, adenosine triphosphate and guanosine triphosphate.
“Caffeine prevents these chemicals breaking down so more energy is available to cells, including sperm, so they can swim faster or longer,” she explained. “It is good news because lots of infertility is caused by sperm that are poor swimmers.”
However, men trying for a baby are advised not to drastically alter their caffeine intake until more research is completed.