Mountain Dew, a popular soft drink, has been linked to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and dental problems. But, can it also lower sperm count? In this article, we will explore the truth behind this claim and if there is any scientific evidence to support it.
What is Sperm Count?
Sperm count is the total number of sperm cells in a given sample of semen. It is an essential factor in male fertility, as it determines the chances of fertilization and conception. A low sperm count is when there are fewer than 15 million sperm cells per milliliter of semen.
What is in Mt Dew?
Mt Dew contains caffeine, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, and other ingredients that give it a distinct taste. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, while high fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is linked to obesity and other health issues.
What are the Claims?
There are claims that drinking Mt Dew can lower sperm count due to the presence of a food dye called Yellow 5. This food dye is also known as tartrazine, and it is used in many other food products such as candy, cereal, and baked goods.
What does the Research Say?
There have been a few studies conducted on the effects of Yellow 5 on male fertility, but the results are inconclusive. One study published in the Journal of Andrology found that high levels of Yellow 5 in the diet of male rats led to a decrease in sperm production. However, this study was conducted on rats and not humans, so the results may not be applicable.
Another study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health found that Yellow 5 had no significant effect on human sperm count. The study was conducted on healthy men who consumed a normal diet and were not exposed to high levels of Yellow 5.
What are the Experts Saying?
According to Dr. Craig Niederberger, a urologist at the University of Illinois at Chicago, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Mt Dew can lower sperm count. In an interview with Men's Health, he stated that "there is no reason to believe that drinking Mountain Dew will have any impact on sperm count."
What are the Risks of Drinking Mt Dew?
While there is no evidence to support the claim that Mt Dew can lower sperm count, there are other health risks associated with drinking this soda. As mentioned earlier, Mt Dew contains high levels of caffeine and high fructose corn syrup, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Mt Dew can lower sperm count. While Yellow 5, a food dye present in Mt Dew, has been linked to a decrease in sperm production in rats, there is no evidence that it has the same effect on humans. However, drinking Mt Dew does come with other health risks, so it is best to consume it in moderation.