Health & Medical, UK (Commonwealth Union) – Prior research conducted by the University of Sheffield has found that the quality of sperm can be enhanced with a diet supplement that consists of lycopene which is present in cooked tomatoes. The University of Sheffield researchers have joined hands with Jessop Fertility at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to explore how LactoLycopene impacts sperm quality for males that attend fertility clinics.
The most recent study could alter the outlook for males who have fertility issues and bring about more improved ways to bring down the detrimental effects of modern living on reproductive health. Of all infertility cases, roughly 50% occur as a result of ‘male factor infertility.
The double-blind randomized controlled trial for evaluating the effects of providing men with a dietary compound known as LactoLycopene is to have Allan Pacey, Professor of Andrology at the University of Sheffield as the lead together with Dr. Liz Williams, a Senior Lecturer in Human Nutrition at the University of Sheffield. Researchers hope to find out if it is possible to elevate the amount of healthy-shaped sperm (sperm morphology) and enhance ‘fast swimming’ sperm in males with impaired testicular function.
LactoLycopene is highly bioavailable, meaning that more of it is absorbed into the bloodstream than lycopene in its natural form.
Lycopene is a carotenoid, a type of plant pigment that gives fruits and vegetables their red, orange, and yellow colors. Lycopene is found in high concentrations in tomatoes, but it is also present in other fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, guava, and apricots. Lycopene has been known to have a number of health benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart disease, cancer, and macular degeneration along with increasing sperm quality. Lycopene is the pigment that is indicated in tomatoes with their red color, however, dietary lycopene is not well absorbed by the human body, hence the compound utilized for the study is a commercially available formulation referred to as LactoLycopene.
The 12-week initial stage of the research formed by the team of scientists is set to include 80 volunteers from 18 to 50 years old, who were recruited from Jessop Fertility. This is a leading fertility clinic situated at the Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Only males who have a lesser motile sperm count are be provided the opportunity to be a part of the trial.
LactoLycopene is a breakthrough ingredient that combines the health benefits of lycopene with the advantages of lactose fermentation. This innovative compound offers a promising approach to enhancing the bioavailability and absorption of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes and other red fruits. In this article, we explore the potential health benefits, sources, and significance of LactoLycopene in promoting overall well-being.
LactoLycopene is a formulation that combines lycopene with lactose fermentation, a process that enhances the absorption and bioavailability of nutrients. The fermentation process involves breaking down lactose into lactic acid, which helps improve the body’s ability to assimilate lycopene. The substance can be derived from various sources, with tomatoes being the most common. Tomato-based products, including tomato paste, tomato sauce, and tomato juice, are often used as a starting material for LactoLycopene extraction and fermentation. However, ongoing research aims to explore other potential sources for producing this beneficial compound.
50% of the participants will take LactoLycopene supplements while the other 50% will be given an identical placebo each day for twelve weeks. Both the scientists nor the volunteers will not know who is being provided the LactoLycopene treatment and who is to be provided the placebo. Sperm, as well as blood samples, will be gathered at the start and the completion of the trial.
The study team will consist of 4 other researchers, 3 of which work at the Jessop Fertility Clinic, Dr. Helen Clarke, Mr. Jonathan Skull as well as Lucy Wood. The 4th member is Dr. Michael Carroll.
