A new study suggests that drinking Coca-Cola and Pepsi may increase testicle size and testosterone production.
Researchers at China’s Northwest Minzu University set out to investigate the effect of carbonated beverages on fertility.
Previous research has suggested that soda consumption may have a negative impact on reproductive functions, such as sperm count.
The most recent study used animal testing, specifically mice, and discovered that the male hormone increased and the testes grew larger.
Over a 15-day period, one group was given only water, while the other test groups were given varying levels of Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
The mice were monitored using blood tests, as well as weight and testicular diameter measurements.
The mice given fizzy drinks had their testes “significantly increased” over the course of the experiment, according to the findings published in the scientific journal Acta Endocrinol.
One of the study authors wrote: “The outcome demonstrated a high dose of Pepsi or Coca-Cola could promote testis growth and development.”
They added: “The concentrations of serum testosterone in all mice were enhanced after the Pepsi-Cola and Coca-Cola treatment.”
This “indicated that high doses of Pepsi and Coca-Cola could improve testosterone secretion of male mice”.
“In conclusion, drinking Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola could promote testis development, enhance testosterone secretion, increase serum EGF concentrations.
“Our findings provided the scientific basis for fully understanding [carbonated beverages] effects and their mechanism on development and reproduction functions of humans, but also benefit to prevent prostate dysfunction and cancer.”
However, the researchers stated that their findings contradict previous research.
One study included 2,500 men and discovered that drinking a one-litre carbonated beverage every day reduced sperm quantity by 30%.
Another study discovered that fizzy drinks are linked to hormonal changes that affect ovulation.
The researchers concluded in a report published on ScienceDirect that “higher intake of sugared soda was associated with lower total, mature, and fertilised oocytes and top-quality embryos after ovarian stimulation.”
Another study found that “massive consumption of coffee or caffeine increased testosterone production”.
