Protein shakes could slash men’s sperm counts, scientists warn

PROTEIN shakes may cut sperm count in the same way as illegal anabolic ­steroids, experts claimed today.

Ingredients in the drinks and powders are said to impede the body’s ability to release the hormones that produce sperm.

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The compounds, believed to boost muscles and help recovery from gym workouts, are growing in popularity, with one in four Brits now using sports nutrition products.

Expert Allan Pacey claimed the drinks may be acting like steroids as many who use them have a very low sperm count or no sperm.

Prof Pacey, of the University of Sheffield, said: “When you have somebody in front of you who is as fit as a fiddle it’s a reasonable conclusion.”

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Consultant gynaecologist Dr Sarah Martins Da Silva, of the University of Dundee, said steroid derivatives in shakes may affect testosterone “and therefore sperm production”.

But Dr Adam Carey, of the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance, said there was no scientific evidence for the “laughable” claim.

He said: “The health benefits of proteins are well known. This advice is misleading.”

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