Consuming a diet that is low in antioxidants and vitamins may be one of the reasons why men have low sperm counts. Taking a vitamin supplement that contains these nutrients can help with fertility.
One study showed that adding zinc and folic acid to the diet of sub-fertile men increased sperm count and motility. You can get a good amount of Zinc from meat and fish, as well as from vegetables and supplements like our ExSeed Multi.
Vitamin C
You may think of vitamin C as the cure for the common cold, but it is also a powerful antioxidant that protects semen from oxidative damage. In one study, infertile men taking vitamin C supplements showed an increase in sperm count and motility.
Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis, but low folate levels are linked with poor sperm production and DNA integrity. Supplementation with the natural form of folate, methylfolate, may improve absorption and reduce oxidative stress in sperm cells.
A trace mineral, Selenium is part of a group of proteins called selenoenzymes that help protect sperm from oxidative damage. Studies have shown that a combination of Selenium and vitamin E decreases oxidative damage to sperm cell membranes and increases sperm motility in infertile men.
A multivitamin that includes zinc, folic acid, vitamin C and Vitamin D is a good idea for anyone who wants to boost their sperm count. Choose one that has been third-party tested, to ensure the ingredients are accurate and safe. The Beli male fertility multivitamin contains all of these nutrients, as well as magnesium, lysine, vitamin D3, acetyl L-cysteine and Coenzyme Q10. This multivitamin also supports testosterone production.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral required in small amounts for a variety of vital bodily functions. It plays a role in the production of selenoproteins, which have antioxidant properties that help prevent oxidative damage to cells and other tissues. It also has a protective effect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, viral mutations, and inflammatory reactions.
Males with low selenium levels are at risk of infertility due to the inability to produce healthy sperm. They may also experience fatigue after intercourse and weak or poor erections. Selenium supplementation has been shown to improve sperm count and motility, as well as increase testosterone and sex drive.
Viridian’s Selenium Plus is an excellent selenium supplement for men that supports testicular and sperm health. It also includes Coenzyme Q10, which has been shown to improve sperm morphology and motility. The combination of these nutrients has been shown to improve the overall sperm health and quality, making it an essential nutrient for male fertility. It is available as a capsule, tablet, or liquid supplement.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the essential minerals for male fertility because it promotes testosterone production and helps sperm maturation. A deficiency in this mineral can cause low sperm count and poor sperm quality. Zinc supplements and foods that contain it such as oysters, red meat and poultry are good sources of this nutrient.
A zinc supplement has been shown to improve sperm count and sperm motility in men who are deficient. It also reduces oxidative stress and promotes the function of sperm proteins.
High concentrations of zinc are found in the semen and can improve sperm quality when the testes are deficient in this mineral. Zinc may affect the fluidity of lipids in the seminal fluid and influence phospholipases, which stabilize the membranes of sperm cells. Zinc may also inhibit apoptosis, which is necessary for normal sperm morphology.
An herb known as Siberian ginseng has long been used in traditional medicine for its aphrodisiac properties and is available in health food stores. Taking this herbal remedy daily for three months was associated with a 150% increase in sperm count in one study.
L-Carnitine
When sperm are healthy, they have more energy and are able to travel the distance to an egg. This requires a tremendous amount of energy. L-Carnitine is an amino acid that helps give sperm the boost they need to swim to the egg and fertilize it.
It also reduces the oxidative stress that can damage sperm DNA. One study showed that combining acetyl-L-carnitine with selenium lessened the oxidative stress in sperm cells, which led to higher sperm motility and sperm count.
Researchers studied 54 infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenozoospermia. They were given acetyl-L-carnitine 4 g per day for 60 days. The sperm parameters in their semen improved significantly, including sperm motility and chromatin structure.
The same study also found that acetyl-L-carnitine reduces symptoms of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid), suggesting it could be helpful in treating those with this condition. In addition, acetyl-L-carnitine may help reduce the toxic side effects of certain medications including AZT and doxorubicin used in cancer treatment. Taking carnitine supplements should not be done without a doctor’s guidance because it can interact with some medications.
Vitamin D
Many factors can lead to low sperm count and motility, but making lifestyle changes and taking supplements that increase fertility levels can make a huge difference. Maintaining a healthy diet, losing excess weight, stopping smoking and avoiding certain medications can all help improve your chances of conceiving a baby. A few supplements that have been shown to work include folic acid, zinc and coenzyme Q10.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It can prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species, which have been linked to lowered sperm count and motility. It has also been shown to reduce DNA damage within sperm cells.
Folic acid is a B-vitamin that plays an important role in DNA synthesis and has been shown to improve sperm count, motility and morphology. A study showed that folic acid and zinc supplementation increased the number of sperm with normal morphology in infertile men.
