Chlormequat

 Chlormequat has been referred to as an "emerging contaminant." It is a toxic chemical used to reduce the stem height on cereal grains, especially oats. It was not allowed in the food supply until 2018. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) found the chemical in 92% of oat-based foods they examined in May of 2023 including Cheerios and Quaker Oats. Chlormequat was also found in 80% of the humans tested.

This chemical has been linked to reduced fertility, altered fetal growth, and delayed puberty in animals. This chemical is allowed only on imported foods but growers are seeking approval for the use of the chemical in American agriculture.

Many Americans consider oats among the healthiest of foods, but increases of use of chemicals in growing wheat and oats may be creating health problems and toxicities. My recommendation would be to only consume cereals which are certified organic.

References:

Article on Chlormequat

Found in four out of five people

Vitamin E and Fertility

     Infertility is becoming an increasing problem in the United States. Couples often go to extraordinary lengths in attempts to conceive a child. A recent study found that male infertility may be improved by supplementation with natural vitamin E. Intake of vitamin E at dosages of 100 mg three times a day were shown to improve numbers of sperm, mobility and rate of pregnancy.
     Vitamin E was associated with infertility when first discovered. Early animal studies showed that it was difficult to carry a pregnancy to term with vitamin E deficiency.
Reference:
Chen XF, Li Z, et al, Efficacy of natural vitamin E on oligospermia and athenospermia: a prospective multi-centered randomized controlled study of 106 cases, Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue, 2012 May; 18(5):428-31.