Effects of crude palm oil consumption on sperm parameters in growing rats

Palm oil is by far the most widely used vegetable oil in the world. Despite its controversial health effects, few studies have examined its impact on reproductive function. This study aims to evaluate the effects of crude palm oil consumption on sperm parameters in growing rats. Twelve male Rattus norvegicus rats, aged 21 days and weighing between 47 and 51 g, were divided into two groups of six subjects: a control group fed a diet containing sunflower oil and an experimental group receiving a diet based on crude palm oil. The diets, based on the AIN-93G model, were administered ad libitum for 60 days. The animals’ body weight was monitored weekly, and at the end of the experiment, the reproductive organs were harvested to determine their relative weight. Sperm parameters were also assessed using epididymal suspension. The results show that starting on the 14th day of the experiment, rats in the experimental group exhibited a significant increase (p<0.05) in body weight compared to control rats. In addition, a significant decrease in the weight of the testes (p<0.001) and epididymis (p<0.01) was observed in animals fed the crude palm oil diet. Analysis of sperm parameters also revealed a significant decrease (p<0.001) in sperm concentration and motility in the experimental group compared to the control group. Thus, prolonged consumption of crude palm oil may have a negative effect on certain parameters of male reproductive function in growing rats.