The Men's Fertility Nutrition Podcast

Axis Dietetics
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Fertility is often framed as a women’s issue. But male factors contribute to around half of all fertility challenges. The Men’s Fertility Nutrition Podcast explores what influences sperm health, male fertility, and reproductive outcomes — and what men can realistically do to support them. Hosted by Accredited Practising Dietitian Alex Hardy, each episode breaks down evidence-based nutrition, lifestyle, and fertility science into clear, practical guidance for men trying to conceive or preparing for IVF and ICSI.

  1. 8h ago

    What Actually Moves the Needle for Male Fertility?

    Episode 19: What Actually Moves the Needle for Male Fertility? Episode Description In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy looks at what actually moves the needle for male fertility — and why some factors deserve far more attention than others. Using a simple fertility pyramid, this episode explores how major disruptors, everyday lifestyle foundations, medical and clinical factors, and more targeted strategies such as supplements fit into the bigger picture. Rather than trying to optimise everything at once, the focus is on identifying the factors most likely to influence sperm health in your individual situation — and tackling them in the right order. Because when it comes to male fertility, the goal isn’t to do everything. It’s to focus on leverage before optimisation. What You’ll Learn Which factors can have the greatest impact on male reproductive healthWhy smoking, metabolic dysfunction and anabolic steroid or testosterone use can be major disruptorsHow diet, sleep, physical activity and alcohol fit into the foundations of sperm healthWhy medical issues such as varicocele, hormonal dysfunction and underlying health conditions shouldn’t be overlookedWhere supplements and advanced testing fit into the bigger pictureHow to prioritise fertility changes without trying to optimise everything at once Key Takeaways Not all fertility interventions have the same potential impactMajor disruptors should be addressed before smaller optimisation strategiesDiet, sleep, physical activity and metabolic health form important foundations for sperm healthLifestyle optimisation cannot replace appropriate medical investigationSupplements can be useful, but they are usually a refinement rather than the foundationFocus on leverage before optimisation Episode Outline The fertility pyramidMajor disruptors: smoking, metabolic health and anabolic steroids/testosteroneThe foundations: diet, sleep, exercise, alcohol and environmental exposuresMedical and clinical factors: varicocele, hormones, health conditions and geneticsSupplements and other targeted refinementsHow to work through the pyramid and decide where to start Disclaimer This podcast is for general education only and does not replace individual medical or nutrition advice. If you’re navigating fertility concerns or treatment, please consult your healthcare team. Want Support? If you or your partner are looking for personalised fertility nutrition support, Alex works via telehealth with men and couples across Australia. Website: AxisDietetics.com Instagram: @axisdietetics

    What Actually Moves the Needle for Male Fertility?

  2. Jul 21

    Ultra-Processed Foods and Male Fertility: Beyond the Hype

    Episode Summary: Ultra-processed foods — or UPFs — have become one of the biggest nutrition talking points in recent years. They’re often linked with obesity, inflammation, metabolic disease, and poorer long-term health outcomes. But what does the evidence actually say about sperm health and male fertility? In Episode 19, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down what ultra-processed foods actually are, how they’re classified under the NOVA system, and why the conversation around them has become increasingly polarised online. We explore the current fertility evidence linking dietary patterns high in ultra-processed foods with poorer semen parameters, including lower sperm concentration and motility, while also discussing the important limitations of the research and why observational studies can only tell us so much. The episode also examines newer intervention research attempting to isolate whether the degree of food processing itself may influence metabolic and reproductive health, even when calories and macronutrients are similar. Importantly, this episode avoids the “all processed food is toxic” narrative and instead focuses on nuance, context, and the broader dietary patterns that appear to support better long-term metabolic and reproductive health. What You’ll Learn: What ultra-processed foods actually areHow the NOVA food classification system worksWhy not all UPFs are nutritionally equivalentHow dietary patterns high in UPFs may influence sperm healthWhat the current semen quality research showsThe limitations of observational nutrition researchWhy overall dietary pattern likely matters more than individual foodsHow UPFs may influence the broader environment sperm develop within Key Takeaways: Not all processed foods are the sameUPFs are a broad category that can include foods with very different nutritional profilesHigher ultra-processed food intake is associated with poorer semen parameters in several observational studiesDietary patterns high in UPFs are often linked with poorer metabolic health overallThe broader dietary pattern and lifestyle context likely matter more than one single foodThe current evidence does not support panic or perfectionMore minimally processed, nutrient-dense dietary patterns appear more supportive of sperm and metabolic health over timeLinks and Resources:Website: www.axisdietetics.comInstagram: @axisdieteticsRead the accompanying article: Ultra-Processed Foods and Male Fertility: Beyond the Hype: https://www.axisdietetics.com/ultra-processed-foods-and-male-fertility-beyond-the-hype Disclaimer:This podcast is intended for general information only and should not replace personalised medical, nutrition, or healthcare advice.

    Ultra-Processed Foods and Male Fertility: Beyond the Hype

  3. Jul 7

    Weight Loss and Male Fertility: How It Can Improve Sperm Health

    Episode Summary:Weight loss is one of the most common recommendations men hear when fertility becomes a concern. But the relationship between body weight, metabolic health, and sperm quality is more complex than many people realise. In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explores how excess body fat can influence hormones, insulin sensitivity, inflammation, sleep, and the environment sperm develop within over time. We also discuss why body weight alone does not tell the full story, and why metabolic health may matter more than the number on the scale itself. The episode breaks down what the current evidence actually shows, including intervention studies where weight loss has been associated with improvements in sperm concentration, total sperm count, motility, and other fertility markers in some men with obesity. We also explore why two men of the same size can have very different fertility profiles, why sustainable lifestyle change matters more than extreme dieting, and how broader improvements in health and lifestyle may help create a better environment for sperm production over time. Finally, the episode looks at practical ways men can begin improving body composition and metabolic health without overcomplicating the process, while keeping the roughly 12-week sperm development window in mind. What You’ll Learn: How excess body fat may influence sperm health and reproductive hormonesWhy metabolic health matters more than body weight aloneWhat the research actually shows about weight loss and sperm qualityWhy two men of the same weight can have very different fertility outcomesThe risks of crash dieting and unsustainable approachesPractical strategies to support both metabolic health and sperm production Key Takeaways: Weight loss may improve sperm health in some men, particularly when excess body fat and poor metabolic health are contributing factorsThe benefits are likely driven by broader improvements in metabolic health, not just the number on the scaleSustainable lifestyle change matters more than rapid transformationSleep, fitness, nutrition, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation all play a role in sperm productionFertility tends to reward consistency rather than extremesPractical Tips: Focus on improving overall metabolic health, not just losing weightBuild meals around whole foods and adequate proteinInclude both resistance training and cardiovascular activityPrioritise sleep consistency and recoveryAvoid crash dieting or overly aggressive approachesThink in terms of the full 12-week sperm development windowLinks: Website: www.axisdietetics.comInstagram: @axisdietetics Related Article:https://www.axisdietetics.com/blog/can-weight-loss-improve-male-fertility-what-the-evidence-shows-about-sperm-health Disclaimer:This podcast is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical or personalised nutrition advice. Always speak with your doctor or qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, exercise, supplements, or fertility treatment plan.

    Weight Loss and Male Fertility: How It Can Improve Sperm Health

  4. Jun 23

    Omega-3 for Sperm Health: Food vs Fish Oil Supplements

    Episode Summary:In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy explores one of the most commonly discussed nutrients in male fertility nutrition — omega-3. We break down why omega-3 gained so much attention in sperm health research, what the evidence actually shows, and why the conversation is often more nuanced than supplement marketing suggests. The episode explores both food-based and supplement-based approaches, including the role of oily fish, walnuts, and Mediterranean-style dietary patterns, as well as the limitations of the current research on fish oil supplementation and fertility outcomes. What You’ll Learn: Why omega-3 became a focus in male fertility researchThe role of DHA and sperm membrane functionWhat food-based studies have shownWhat omega-3 supplement trials actually foundWhy semen parameter improvements do not always translate to pregnancy outcomesThe difference between food-first nutrition and targeted supplementationWhen omega-3 supplements may be worth consideringKey Takeaways: Sperm membranes are naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHASome studies suggest omega-3 may support sperm motility and morphologyEvidence across studies remains mixed and inconsistentImprovements in semen parameters do not necessarily mean improved pregnancy or live birth outcomesWhole-food dietary patterns likely matter more than any single supplementSupplements may still have a role in selected situations, particularly when dietary intake is poorPractical Tips: Include oily fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, or mackerel regularlyAdd plant omega-3 sources like walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseedsFocus on overall dietary quality rather than isolated nutrientsThink of supplements as targeted tools, not automatic solutionsPrioritise sustainable dietary patterns over short-term fixes Related Resources:Website: www.axisDietetics.com.auRead the full blog article: https://www.axisdietetics.com/omega-3-for-sperm-health-food-vs-supplements-what-actually-mattersInstagram: @axisdietetics Disclaimer:This podcast is for general information and education only and is not a substitute for personalised medical, nutrition, or healthcare advice. Please speak with your doctor or qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual situation. Next Episode:Weight Loss and Male Fertility — When It Helps, When It Hurts

    Omega-3 for Sperm Health: Food vs Fish Oil Supplements

  5. Jun 9

    Fertility Diet for Men: What to Eat to Improve Sperm Health

    Episode Summary:Nutrition advice for male fertility often focuses on supplements, superfoods, or extreme diet changes. But what does a fertility-supportive diet actually look like across a normal day? In this episode, Men’s Fertility Dietitian Alex Hardy breaks down the practical foundations of a diet that may help support sperm health over time. Rather than chasing perfection, the focus is on building a consistent dietary pattern that supports the environment sperm develop within across the 12 week sperm development window. We explore the common pattern many men fall into — where one decent dinner is trying to compensate for a fairly average day of eating — and what tends to work better in practice. What You’ll Learn: Why overall dietary structure matters more than individual “fertility foods”Common eating patterns that may undermine sperm health over timeWhy consistency matters more than perfectionPractical examples of balanced breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinksThe role of protein, fibre-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and less processed foodsWhy one healthy meal usually isn’t enough to offset a poor overall patternHow realistic dietary habits may help support the environment sperm develop withinKey Takeaways: Fertility-supportive nutrition is usually built around consistent dietary patterns, not single foodsMany men rely too heavily on dinner to carry the nutritional quality of the dayProtein, plant foods, and overall diet quality tend to work best when distributed more consistently across the dayWater, less processed foods, and practical meal structure often matter more than perfection or complexityNutrition may help support sperm health, but it does not guarantee fertility outcomes Practical Tips: Build more nutrition into the first half of the day, not just dinnerCreate a small rotation of balanced meals that are realistic to repeat consistently Reduce reliance on takeaway, sugary drinks, alcohol, and highly processed convenience foods becoming daily defaultsLinks:Website: www.axisdietetics.comBlog Article: https://www.axisdietetics.com/fertility-diet-for-men-what-to-eat-to-support-sperm-healthInstagram: @axisdietetics Disclaimer:This podcast is for general education only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare team about your specific situation.

    Fertility Diet for Men: What to Eat to Improve Sperm Health

  6. May 25

    Zinc for Male Fertility: Does It Actually Improve Sperm Quality?

    Episode Summary Zinc is one of the most common ingredients in male fertility supplements. But more zinc does not automatically mean better sperm. In this episode, Alex explores why zinc matters for male reproductive health, where it genuinely plays a role, and why the evidence for routine supplementation is less convincing than many people assume. You’ll learn how zinc contributes to sperm production, antioxidant defence, and DNA processes, along with the difference between correcting a deficiency and supplementing an already adequate system. The episode also explains why testing zinc status has limitations, and why broader diet quality often matters more than chasing one nutrient. What You’ll Learn Why zinc is important for sperm productionHow zinc supports reproductive biologyWhat observational studies have shownWhat higher-quality trials found about supplementationWhy correcting deficiency differs from taking more “just in case”Why zinc blood tests have limitationsHow zinc fits into a food-first fertility approachKey Takeaways Zinc is essential for normal sperm productionLow zinc intake or status may contribute to poorer sperm healthCorrecting deficiency may help, but extra zinc is not a reliable fertility boosterLarge trials have not shown consistent improvements in semen parameters or fertility outcomesZinc works within a broader nutritional system, not in isolationFood quality and adequate overall intake remain the priorityWho This Episode Is For Men taking fertility supplements containing zincMen wondering whether they should supplement zincCouples preparing for conceptionAnyone wanting a realistic evidence-based take on nutrients for sperm healthWhat’s Next Next episode: Fertility Diet for Men — what a practical, sperm-supportive eating pattern actually looks like day to day. Disclaimer This podcast is for general education only and does not replace personalised medical or nutrition advice. Please discuss your own circumstances with a qualified healthcare professional. Links www.axisdietetics.com

    Zinc for Male Fertility: Does It Actually Improve Sperm Quality?

  7. May 12

    Not All Evidence Is Equal: How to Think About Fertility Nutrition (And What to Trust)

    Episode Summary A lot of fertility advice sounds confident and certain, but the underlying evidence is often more nuanced. In this episode, Alex breaks down how to think critically about fertility nutrition research, why studies sometimes conflict, and how clinicians make practical decisions when certainty is limited. Rather than chasing perfect answers, this episode explains how to interpret evidence in the real world and focus on what is most likely to matter. What You’ll Learn Why fertility nutrition evidence is rarely black and whiteCommon reasons studies appear to conflictThe challenges of studying nutrition in humansWhy one study rarely tells the full storyFour practical filters to assess research claimsThe difference between semen parameter outcomes and fertility outcomesWhy foundations usually matter more than hype Key Takeaways Evidence-based practice is about making good decisions under uncertaintyMixed findings do not automatically mean research is uselessPopulation, intervention, outcome, and consistency all matter when judging evidenceImprovements in biomarkers do not always translate to pregnancy or live birth outcomesDiet quality, sleep, alcohol, body composition, and overall health remain core priorities The Four Filters Discussed Population — who was actually studied, and does it apply to you?Intervention — what was tested, at what dose, and for how long?Outcome — did it improve semen parameters or real fertility outcomes?Consistency — is it a one-off finding or repeated across studies? Why This Matters Men trying to conceive are often targeted with bold claims around supplements, diets, and quick fixes. Understanding how evidence works helps you avoid overreacting to headlines, wasting money, or missing the bigger picture. Good decisions are usually built on patterns of evidence, not isolated claims. What’s Next Next episode: Zinc for Male Fertility — where the evidence is stronger, where it is weaker, and how to think about supplementation in practice. Disclaimer This podcast is for general education only and does not replace personalised medical, nutrition, or fertility advice. Please speak with your healthcare team about your individual situation. Links: www.axisdietetics.com

    Not All Evidence Is Equal: How to Think About Fertility Nutrition (And What to Trust)

  8. May 5

    Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for Sperm Health: What the Evidence Actually Shows

    CoQ10 is one of the most studied supplements in male fertility. The signal is stronger than many others, but it is not straightforward. In this episode, Alex breaks down what CoQ10 actually does, why it is often recommended for sperm health, and what the research really shows. You’ll learn how CoQ10 supports mitochondrial energy production, why that matters for sperm motility, and where the evidence appears strongest. The episode also explores the limits of the research, including why improvements in semen parameters do not always translate into pregnancy or live birth outcomes. This is a practical, balanced look at where CoQ10 may fit into a broader fertility plan. What You’ll Learn What CoQ10 is and how it works in the bodyWhy sperm require high energy production to functionWhy CoQ10 is often linked with sperm motilityWhat studies suggest about count, motility, and morphologyWhy stronger semen parameters do not always equal better fertility outcomesHow to think about CoQ10 in context rather than as a shortcutKey Takeaways CoQ10 plays a central role in cellular energy productionThe strongest research signal appears to be sperm motilitySome studies suggest benefits for other parameters, but findings are less consistentEvidence for pregnancy or live birth outcomes remains limitedCoQ10 may be useful in selected contexts, but it does not replace foundations like diet, sleep, alcohol reduction, and metabolic healthWho This Episode Is For Men with reduced motility on semen analysisCouples preparing for conception or IVFMen considering supplements and wanting an evidence-based viewAnyone trying to understand where CoQ10 fits in practiceWhat’s Next Next episode: Not All Evidence Is Equal — how to think about fertility nutrition research, conflicting studies, and what to trust. Disclaimer This podcast is for general education only and does not replace personalised medical or nutrition advice. Please speak with your healthcare team about your individual situation. Links: www.axisdietetics.com

    Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) for Sperm Health: What the Evidence Actually Shows
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Fertility is often framed as a women’s issue. But male factors contribute to around half of all fertility challenges. The Men’s Fertility Nutrition Podcast explores what influences sperm health, male fertility, and reproductive outcomes — and what men can realistically do to support them. Hosted by Accredited Practising Dietitian Alex Hardy, each episode breaks down evidence-based nutrition, lifestyle, and fertility science into clear, practical guidance for men trying to conceive or preparing for IVF and ICSI.

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