Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Even though the importance of nutrition in diabetes development is well known, little has been done to explore whether nutrition affects reproductive health and escalates the risk for further consequences of deterioration of metabolic parameters in young men.

The goal of our study was to evaluate a possible relationship between eating patterns, metabolic parameters and androgenisation levels in healthy young men.

Methods: A total of 199 men aged 18-26 participated in this sub-study. Anthropometric measurement included height, weight, hip circumference, waist circumference, and calculation of body mass index. Investigation of reproductive function consisted of clinical evaluation, including orchidometry and measurement of serum testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), estradiol and inhibin B levels. Body composition analysis was performed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Nutrition questions included usage of milk and dairy products, eggs, different types of meat and fish, pulses, fruit and vegetables.

Results: A weak inverse correlation between beer consumption and SHBG has been observed (r=−0.180, P=0.013). Amount of wine consumed was related to estradiol levels (r=0.211, P=0.007). SHBG levels had inverse correlation with fat mass (r=−0.258, P<0.001), hip circumference (r=−0.249, P=0.001) and waist circumference (r=−0.200, P=0.008). Comparison of distributions among groups showed that milk non-users had lower testosterone (P=0.032) and estradiol (P=0.033) levels and higher waist circumference (P=0.047). More frequent usage of beef or veal was borderline associated with higher waist circumference (P=0.043).

Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that nutrition can be related to reproductive health and metabolic parameters in healthy young men. Consumption of milk is related to higher sex hormone levels. Beer consumption inversely correlated with SHBG levels, while wine consumption showed positive correlation with estradiol concentration.