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Glyphosate link to sperm health
Glyphosate has been detected in 56% of seminal fluid collected in a French infertility clinic. Researchers went on to find a positive correlation between glyphosate levels in seminal plasma and raised oxidative stress, which is known to be a crucial factor in male fertility. Oxidative stress plays a key role in sperm mobility and function.
Glyphosate is the world’s most widely used herbicide, with exposure already associated with higher cancer risk. This correlation between high glyphosate and oxidative stress levels in seminal fluid suggests a possible fertility link between exposure to glyphosate and reproductive health.
Glyphosate concentrations in sperm or blood glyphosate analysed weren’t found to significantly different between samples collected from city and countryside residents, or between men eating organic and non-organic food, but the highest level of sperm glyphosate concentration was collected from a farmer (although this is a small sample). Differences in glyphosate concentrations recorded between smokers and non-smokers however were significantly different, with smokers showing the highest levels. Smoking is already known to cause oxidative stress which plays a role in the development of cancer and heart disease.
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidative stress occurs when there are disturbances in the natural balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant responses in the body. It can be detected by measuring biomarkers in urine. When free radicals build up, the body comes under oxidative stress which can cause cell damage and lead to illnesses, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia.
Free radicals occur naturally in the body as a biproduct of metabolism and are usually removed by the body with the help of antioxidants. They are unstable molecules, missing an electron so they move around the body in a pairing search, where they can cause damage to cells and DNA, causing oxidative stress. The body creates raised levels of free radicals in response to environmental exposures such as air pollution, tobacco, sun exposure, stress, and herbicides and pesticides.
Earlier animal and in vitro studies have proven a connection between exposure to glyphosate and raised oxidative stress, although evidence of the same relationship in humans has been scarce until now. This new study links exposure to glyphosate and raised oxidative stress levels, adding more evidence to the debate about falling male fertility rates and the potential for fathers to pass on the effects of exposure to environmental pollution to their offspring.
Antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals by sharing an electron, keeping oxidative stress at bay. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins is a valuable source of antioxidants. Citrus foods, nuts, sea foods, eggs, and foods high in beta carotene such as carrots and apricots are all high in antioxidants.
Further reading
Read the full study here.
Learn more about glyphosate.
Learn more about oxidative stress.
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