Fertility for Men

It can be easy to forget when planning for a baby, that men’s fertility health is important. So much emphasis is placed on the women position that men may feel they don’t potentially need to look into their own personal health. However, it takes two to make a baby! Sperm count, motility (its ability to move) and morphology (the health of sperm and what it looks like) all form part ...Read more of how successful sperm may be at fertilising an egg. The baby will carry 50 % of the man’s genetics and therefore what the baby inherits from the father is just as important from the mother.

What specific nutrients are helpful?


Vitamin E
•    Shown to significantly improve sperm motility. In one study, 600mg a day for 6 months, had improved sperm function. It was also combined with selenium.
•    Vitamin E helps make sperm more fertile and protects against damage.


Vitamin C
•    Prevents sperm sticking together and increases free-formed sperm levels.
•    Fragga (1991) found that Vit C protects against damage to sperm.

Zinc

•    Zinc is the most important supplement for men for enhancing fertility. It is involved with: hormone metabolism, sperm formation and sperm motility. It is needed for the outer layer and tail of the sperm – especially helping to make the head of the sperm hard/sharp (to pierce the egg).
•    A zinc deficiency is characterized by decreased testosterone levels and low sperm counts. Zinc levels are typically much lower in infertile men with low sperm counts, indicating that a low zinc status may be a contributing factor to the infertility.
•    Hunt (1992) found that zinc deficiency causes a decrease in sperm count, seminal volume and testosterone levels.
•    Pumpkin seeds and pumpkin oil are also excellent sources of zinc as are other seeds and nuts.

L-Arginine (Amino Acid)

•    The head of the sperm contains an exceptional amount of L-Arginine.
•    Required for the replication of cells, so essential for sperm formation. Another amino acid, L-Carnitine, is also required for this.
•    Helps improve vascular activity to the penis, improving erectile dysfunction and generally improving ejaculation release.

B12
•    A deficiency in B12 leads to a reduced sperm count and sperm motility. Even in the absence of B12 deficiency, B12 would be essential to greatly increase sperm count. Take an all round vitamin B-complex which contains high levels of B12.

Selenium

•    Used to maximize sperm formation.
•    Scott (1998) found that selenium levels were significantly lower in men with low sperm counts.

Co-enzyme Q 10

•    Balercia (2004) explains that co-enzyme Q10 has been found concentrated in the mitochondrial mid-piece of sperm – providing energy for movement and fertilization rates and sperm motility improved when men were supplemented with Co-Q 10. Better in supplementation: use 100 to 200mg for 3 months.


Wong (2002) found that sub fertile men taking zinc and folic acid for 26 weeks demonstrated a significant 74% increase in total sperm count.

Men who have a weak adrenal system (or suffer from tiredness or stress) should look at this area, since a proper functioning adrenal system means the pituitary gland can function correctly, principally to make adequate levels of male hormones. Siberian Ginseng and Ashwagandha are important herbs for supporting their adrenals and therefore may assist with fertility. Men who are stressed should look at this aspect of their work/personal life, to reduce stress and support with supplements and diet.

Generally, unless specific issues have been highlighted (after undergoing tests) we recommend men take a male fertility multi or high strength multi vitamin alongside a vitamin B complex and herbs such as Siberian Ginseng or Ashwagandha. Additional vitamin C at 1,000mg to 2,000mg a day would also be helpful. Please call our advice line in confidence, if more specific assistance is required.