Male Fertility affected by Sunlight

note: this is important information for those seeking to procreate (myself included, as of recently).
Reminds me of technique in Taoist Secrets of Sex, on absorbing sunlight directly into the penis. -Michael

LACK OF SUNLIGHT LINKED TO MALE INFERTILITY
By Tamara McLean
news.com.au
October 19, 2008

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24519427-36398,00.html

An Australian infertility study has revealed disturbing levels of vitamin D
deficiency among men who are unable to impregnate their partners.

The discovery surprised Sydney researchers investigating the incidence of
DNA fragmentation of sperm, a significant factor in male infertility.

Sunlight is the major source of vitamin D, which helps regulate levels of
calcium and phosphorous to generate healthy bones.

Fertility specialist Dr Anne Clark screened the blood of almost 800 men with
fertility problems, finding almost a third had lower than normal levels of
vitamin D.

“In a significant number of these men, there were also elevated levels of
homocysteine, an amino acid in the blood associated with cell toxicity, and
deficiency in folate, which is essential for healthy new cells,” said Dr
Clark, medical director of the treatment centre Fertility First.

“Men in the study group who agreed to make lifestyle changes and take
dietary supplements had surprisingly good fertility outcomes.” Dr Clark said
the study’s results were unexpected.

“Vitamin D and folate deficiency are known to be associated with infertility
in women, but the outcomes of the screening among men in our study group
came as a complete surprise.”

Dr Clark said concerns about skin cancer could be a contributing factor to
vitamin D deficiency among men, along with work and lifestyle choices,
avoiding too much direct sunlight exposure.

“If that is the case, one wonders if the outcomes in the study group also
raise the possibility of significant vitamin D deficiency in the broader
public, and its effect on fertility levels,” she said.

Of the 794 men tested, 58 per cent were shown to have high levels of DNA
fragmentation, according to results to be presented at a national fertility
conference in Brisbane tomorrow.

About 100 of the men agreed to quit smoking, minimise or stop their intake
of caffeine and alcohol, reduce weight and take a three-month course of
vitamins and antioxidants before commencing fertility treatment.

Most significantly improved their sperm quality and 40 per cent went on to
achieve a clinical pregnancy, with 11 occurring naturally.

“The results clearly show that lifestyle changes and dietary supplements can
be beneficial for the conception of a healthy on-going pregnancy,” Dr Clark
said.

——