The claim originated from a video posted by user @abidemitemi1 on March 13, 2025, which has since gone viral, amassing over 60,000 likes, 83,300 shares, and more than 2,000 comments. In the 51-second clip, a woman dressed in medical scrubs appears while bold texts flash across the screen promoting supposed benefits of ingesting semen—ranging from improved sleep and memory to glowing skin and reduced morning sickness.
Phrases like “semen is a natural anti-depressant,” “packed with multivitamins,” and “helps post-menopausal bone health” were among the claims displayed in the video.
Counterclaims and Online Reactions
The video quickly drew criticism, including from TikTok user @comicfreak, who called out the post as false and misleading. However, while dismissing the claims, his response lacked supporting medical or scientific evidence.
Given the sensitive nature and viral spread of the claim, BrandIconImage conducted a verification exercise to assess its accuracy—and found the assertions to be misleading.
What Medical Experts Say
According to Healthline, a reputable health information platform, while semen is largely safe to ingest for most people, there is no scientific evidence to support broad health benefits from doing so. In rare instances, individuals may experience allergic reactions, a condition medically known as human seminal plasma hypersensitivity (HSP).
The platform also notes that although semen does contain trace elements such as protein, zinc, calcium, and mood-related hormones like oxytocin and progesterone, these exist in such small quantities that they offer no meaningful nutritional or therapeutic value when swallowed.
A 2002 study exploring the possible antidepressant effects of semen did suggest a potential link between semen exposure and improved mood. However, the study did not isolate semen as the direct cause, and it failed to control for psychological factors tied to sexual intimacy—calling its conclusions into question.
Additionally, a medical officer in reproductive health at the University of Ilorin College of Health Sciences reiterated that there are no nutritional advantages to ingesting semen. “The body digests what it ingests, and semen is no exception. There’s no real benefit unless the partner is free from infections,” the expert noted.
Risks Outweigh Speculative Benefits
Medical sources also caution that oral sex—especially without protection—carries real risks. These include the transmission of bacterial infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, viral infections like herpes, and even HIV.
Semen, being a bodily fluid, can be a carrier of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially in cases where one partner is unaware of their health status.
Despite popular beliefs and anecdotal narratives, Medical News concludes that any potential benefits are overstated and unsupported by rigorous research. Claims like “semen helps prevent morning sickness” or “boosts energy” fall into the realm of unverified speculation, not science.
Conclusion
Semen is a viscous, whitish-gray substance released from the male reproductive system during ejaculation. It comprises sperm, the male reproductive cells capable of fertilizing a female egg. Additionally, semen includes fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate, which serve to nourish and protect the sperm.
Although semen contains small amounts of nutrients, it is not a viable source of nutrition and is not advisable for regular consumption. The nutrient levels in semen are insufficient to offer any meaningful dietary advantages, and the potential health risks associated with swallowing semen surpass any perceived nutritional benefits.
Due to the low nutrient content in each ejaculation, it is not considered a good nutritional source. Furthermore, ingesting semen may expose individuals to the risk of sexually transmitted infections.
While semen does contain trace nutrients and certain hormones, experts agree that the health benefits of swallowing it are negligible at best and potentially risky. Claims promoting it as a natural remedy or wellness aid are misleading, especially when not backed by scientific evidence.
As health misinformation continues to spread across platforms like TikTok, experts emphasize the need for critical thinking and reliance on medically verified sources—especially when it comes to personal and sexual health.