Do Organ Meats Boost Male Fertility?

Are organ meats the missing link in male fertility? In this episode of the FAMM Research Series, Lisa breaks down a surprising study on red meat intake and reproductive parameters in young men — revealing a major disconnect between the data and the published abstract. Learn what the study actually found about organ meat consumption, sperm quality, and researcher bias in nutrition science.

Timestamps

00:00 – FAMM early bird registration is now open
04:15 – Introducing today’s FAMM Research Series study
08:32 – Breaking down the study’s hypothesis and meat categories
12:40 – Surprising results: organ meats and sperm parameters
17:03 – What the researchers chose to exclude from the abstract
20:21 – Understanding publication bias in nutrition research
24:55 – Key micronutrients found in organ meats and their roles in male fertility
29:10 – What this means for clinicians working with male fertility clients

Key Takeaways

Organ meats and male fertility are more closely linked than many assume — with one study showing significant improvements in sperm count, concentration, and motility.
Processed meat was associated with lower total sperm count, but no change in morphology or motility.
Unprocessed red meat showed no negative effect on sperm quality and even slight positive trends, though not statistically significant.
The study’s abstract emphasized only data that aligned with anti-red meat bias — omitting key findings on organ meat and male fertility entirely.
Micronutrients like vitamin A (retinol), B12, zinc, CoQ10, and L-carnitine — found in high concentrations in organ meats — support sperm development and mitochondrial health.

Resources and Mentions

Meat intake and reproductive parameters among young men
Real Food for Fertility by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack and Lily Nichols
Fertility Awareness Mastery Mentorship (FAMM)
The Fifth Vital Sign (Free Chapter)

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Disclaimer

This podcast episode is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions regarding your health or treatment.