Low Blood Phosphate Levels Associated with Reduced Sperm Quality in Men

Recent research presented at the joint Congress of the European Society of Endocrinology and the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology has revealed a notable link between blood phosphate levels and male reproductive health. Men experiencing fertility issues tend to have significantly lower levels of phosphate in their blood compared to the general population. The study, conducted by researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev and Copenhagen University Rigshospitalet, analyzed blood and semen samples from 1,242 infertile men in Denmark. Findings showed that approximately 36% of these men had clinically low phosphate levels, markedly higher than the 2-4% prevalence in the general Danish population.

Importantly, men with moderately low phosphate concentrations exhibited reduced sperm motility, both in terms of total motile and progressively motile sperm. They also demonstrated slightly elevated levels of estradiol, a hormone involved in reproductive functions. While phosphate levels did not seem to influence sperm count, the correlation with sperm motility is significant because motility is a critical factor in male fertility.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Sam Kafai Yahyavi, highlighted that this is the first evidence indicating a higher prevalence of low phosphate levels among infertile men compared to the general population. This suggests that phosphate, a mineral known for its roles in energy production and bone strength, could be a potential target for improving male fertility. While causality has not yet been established, the findings open avenues for exploring phosphate supplementation as a possible treatment for some cases of male infertility.

Further supporting these findings, previous research by the team showed that phosphate is vital for testicular function, with seminal fluid containing phosphate concentrations over twenty times higher than blood levels, indicating regulation within the male reproductive system. Additional studies have linked higher phosphate levels in semen to improved sperm quality and testosterone levels.

The researchers are now investigating the mechanisms of phosphate transport in reproductive organs and considering whether manipulating blood phosphate levels could influence fertility outcomes. Planned controlled trials will evaluate the effects of phosphate supplementation on male—and potentially female—fertility, aiming to develop new treatment strategies.

This research underscores the importance of mineral balance in reproductive health and highlights the need for further studies to determine whether phosphate can be effectively used to enhance fertility. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-blood-phosphate-linked-poorer-sperm.html