The FEASST Study: Food Intake and Epigenetic Alteration in the Spermatozoa of Singletons and Twins
The FEASST Study: Food Intake and Epigenetic Alteration in the Spermatozoa of Singletons and Twins
The purpose of this study is to elucidate the role of acute dietary intake in male populations, and its impact on spermatozoa quality, integrity, content and epigenetic programming.
The FEASST study has been designed to determine the impact of diet on the content, quality, and genetic programming of sperm. They are specifically interested in determining if a man's diet plays a role in influencing the health of his potential, future offspring through modifications of the sperm. Previous research has highlighted that certain dietary patterns in fathers-to-be may lead to variable health outcome for their children. However, the specific effect of a man's diet has yet to be fully understood. This study will help understand the impact of a man's diet on semen quality and potential downstream implications for child health, to aid in the development of dietary guidelines for future fathers-to-be.
For this study, male participants will be provided with two prescribed diets for three-week increments punctuated by a three month break. Health information and biological samples such as blood, semen, and saliva will be collected from study participants throughout the five month period. The diets will consist of a 'Processed diet', mimicking a traditional Western dietary intake pattern and an 'Unprocessed diet', based upon current dietary guidelines at quantities either adequate for the participants energetic needs or 500 calories in excess per day.
Patient information and samples will be collected before and after each dietary intervention. Aspects of patient health examined at various time points include weight, body fat percentage, sperm quality, epigenetic sequencing, serum levels of metabolic parameters, and survey information surrounding health history, typical diet, physical activity patterns, and treatment adherence.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Self-reported history of serious or chronic illness
Self-reported history of Obesity
History of any food restrictions
History of allergies to any food products
History of disordered eating
Record of current use of drugs, alcohol (>14 units per week and/or chronic binge drinking), and/or tobacco/nicotine products within the past month
Current use of prescription medication
Engage in > 200 minutes of vigorous aerobic exercise per week
Currently actively trying to conceive a child
Diagnosis of infertility or disease of the reproductive system
Evidence of dysregulated metabolism, characterized by the occurrence of any one of the following: