Vitamins and Fertility in Men

Talking about male infertility can be a sensitive issue and is usually only done in the presence of one’s doctor or those close to you. While it is not unusual for guys to have trouble conceiving, there is nothing shameful or embarrassing about wanting to maximize your potential to start a family with a special someone.

It is said that 30% of problems with conceiving can be attributed to the male partner involved in the relationship, as suggested by the American Pregnancy Association. There are other people facing the same issue of male fertility that you are. You should also know that you may have solutions.

What Causes Male Infertility?

Several factors can influence male fertility, sperm concentration, sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm health with some of the most common including:

• Pre-existing genetic conditions
• Abuse of alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other recreational drugs
• Groin injury or damage to the testicles and surrounding area
• A personal sexual history of STIs or urinary tract infections
• Hormonal imbalances, predominantly in the form of a low testosterone level
• Erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory issues
• Obesity
• Poor nutrition
• Over-exercising or, conversely, having a sedentary lifestyle
• Stress and anxiety
• Increased age

The amount of live sperm a man has in his semen is known as sperm count, while sperm motility, or how agile they are, is the speed and agility that the sperm have.

Dr. James Nodler of CCRM Fertility in Houston, Texas has emphasized the importance of decreasing alcohol and caffeine intake, abstaining from tobacco use, maintaining a regular sleep schedule of 6-8 hours a night, and sticking to a healthy diet to aid both the number and quality of sperm.

In some cases, male fertility can be improved with the use of supplements.

How Do Fertility Supplements Work?

Men dealing with infertility should adjust their lifestyle habits for an improvement in sperm quantity and quality. You don’t have the power to alter your biological age or hereditary qualities, however, you can decrease worry and tension, eat better, shed undesirable weight if necessary, quit smoking, drink in moderation, and add a supplement to your daily regimen.

• Improve chances to conceive: “Supplements are additional aids to an overall healthy lifestyle and can help many couples improve their chances to conceive, in specific situations,” says Dr. Felice Gersh, founder of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine and the author of PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track . “The conditions most likely aided by supplements include unexplained infertility, aging individuals, and issues of poor sperm quality and quantity.”
• Neutralize free radicals and oxidating stress: Dr. Lucky Sekhon , a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility expert at RMA of New York, adds that sperm is very susceptible to damage from free radicals and pro-oxidant chemicals/exposures.“Therefore supplements and vitamins that neutralize excess free radicals and oxidative stress have been shown to improve semen analysis results and overall fertility.”
• D-AA and ALC can play a role: Many male fertility supplements rely on an ingredient known as D-aspartic acid or D-AA, for short. D-AA is an amino acid that is naturally present in a male body, taking up residence in the testicles, and it can also be found in semen. A lack of D-AA is strongly linked to infertility, meanwhile, research has found that D-AA supplements have proven to be beneficial in improving men’s fertility and increasing testosterone levels.

More studies need to be done, but Acetyl L-carnitine (ALC) has appeared to increase the mobility of male sperm, potentially resulting in increased fertility.

• Vitamins and minerals: Just as a woman takes a prenatal vitamin, before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure she is covering all her nutrient bases, men should ensure their bodies are getting all the nutrients they need when trying to conceive. If you aren’t already taking a multivitamin or any type of daily vitamin regularly, it might be time to start. Vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are all standard components of male fertility supplements. Vitamin C, specifically, has been shown to significantly increase both the motility and the overall number of sperm present within semen. Many experts chalk this increase up to the antioxidant – or anti-inflammatory – properties of this supplement. Lycopene and zinc, too, are frequently included in male fertility supplements.

Vitamins and fertility in men

No agreement exists among scientists about the possible good effects that vitamins have on the chance of spermatozoa being able to fertilize an egg. Experts largely concur that parents’ reproductive capacity can be affected by their dietary habits, way of living, nutrition levels, and nutrient adequacy. The review recognizes the potential impact of vitamins on male fertility.

Supplements to Balance Hormones and Micronutrient Levels for Fertility

B-complex

All the B vitamins found in B-complex may potentially be beneficial in both the promotion of fertility and aiding in the development of the fetus. It appears that B12 can be beneficial for women’s fertility, and Folate (B9) is critical for both men and women’s fertility. One study suggests that Vitamin B might be able to lessen the adverse consequences of pesticides. You can get B-complex vitamins as a stand-alone supplement, as well as in combination with multivitamins and prenatal supplements.

Inositol

Myo-inositol has been beneficial in addressing matters associated with fertility and pregnancy. Numerous studies have proven that it has healing properties for infertile women, and as a precautionary measure during pregnancy it can be helpful for egg and embryo wellbeing. Formerly, myo-inositol was referred to as vitamin B8, but it is not an actual vitamin.

Vitamin E

Men who have not had sufficient Vitamin E may find that their reproductive functions aren’t operating correctly, and their sperm quality and movement are reduced. Women’s inadequacies have been associated with reduced fertility. It is thought that the antioxidant powers of Vitamin E can assist in improving a man’s sperm count and activity, as well as female fertility when attempting to conceive. One way to get enough vitamin E in your diet is by consuming foods like almonds, peanuts, avocado, red peppers, mangoes, rainbow trout, and lobster. You should consult your doctor before taking an E supplement as taking an excess of it can cause some unwanted consequences.

Vitamin C

Antioxidants found in Vitamin C are advantageous to people’s general well-being. It is hypothesized that antioxidants can repair harm caused by oxidative stress, a potential cause of infertility in both genders. Studies have suggested that regular consumption of vitamin C may improve sperm quality and motion, although more research is needed to validate these claims. Eating foods high in Vitamin C can easily be accomplished if you cook a meal containing citrus fruits, dark-green leafy vegetables, broccoli, berries, potatoes and various different shades of peppers. This product can also be obtained as a supplement in pill, liquid, powdered, and edible form. The human body will rid itself of any extra Vitamin C that it does not use through urination as it is a water-soluble vitamin. It is essential to keep an eye on how much you take in if you plan on taking supplements. The suggested amount of dietary intake for healthy adults is 90 milligrams for males and 75 milligrams for females.

Fish oil

Fish oil supplements, specifically Omega 3s, are vital in furnishing the body with fat, supplying needed energy, and preserving cell walls. Foods such as salmon, cod, trout, shellfish, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and greens contain Omega 3s. If you don’t get enough omega-3 fatty acids in your food, taking a supplement may be beneficial. Studies have revealed that females who consume omega-3s are more probable to attain conception without medical assistance than those who do not. Studies have indicated that omega-3s may be beneficial for sperm motility and male fertility in general.

Zinc

Zinc is a minor mineral which is crucial for around 100 enzymes in order for them to perform fundamental operations like the proliferation of cells, repair of broken tissues, and encouragement of a strong immune system. Shellfish, beef, poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, and breakfast cereals that have had nutrients added to them can be located in foods. The quality of sperm has a relevance to a woman’s potential for fertility, gestation and the proliferation of cells. Zinc is necessary for a successful egg fertilization to be completed.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral found in small amounts in the body that is a component of numerous proteins and enzymes, known as selenoproteins. Selenoproteins contribute to the formation of DNA, act as a shield against cell deterioration, and take part in the processing of thyroid hormones. Selenium contributes to fertility and has a positive effect on sperm quality. Selenium also aids in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, as well as aiding in the production of glutathione, an important antioxidant. Beef, turkey, chicken, Brazil nuts, and fortified cereals all contain selenium.

CoQ10

CoQ10 is a necessary nutrient which acts like an antioxidizing agent inside the body. It gives cells power, carries electrons, and aids other enzymes in performing correctly. The antioxidants in CoQ10 can lead to an increased number and better quality of eggs, and research indicates that a lack of CoQ10 can cause infertility arising from aging. Another study suggests that it could potentially aid in sperm motility and quality. Most people’s dietary needs for CoQ10 can be met by eating fatty fish like salmon or tuna, organ meat, and whole grains. It is also available in supplement form.

Vitex

This study discovered that the combination of Vitex Agnus-Castus and Maca Root can improve fertility, boosting the probability of conceiving. It has also proven to help with PMS symptoms. Research indicates that it is capable of regulating amounts of prolactin, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and progesterone.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

There is not enough evidence to suggest that taking Acetyl L-Carnitine can significantly influence pregnancy after therapy, though it may aid in sperm motility.

Vitamin D

This study indicates that taking vitamin D may enhance sperm mobility, though more investigations will be necessary to confirm this in the context of male infertility.

B9, otherwise called Folic Acid (folate), is an indispensable nutrient that helps to protect against neural tube issues. It is crucial to have the correct amount of folate in the body of pregnant persons since the required amount rises. This study revealed that when folate levels were higher, the birth rate following assisted reproduction technology treatment was also higher. The suggested daily intake of folic acid is 400 milligrams, rising to 600 milligrams.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

This research suggests that Alpha-Lipoic Acid might be a promising alternative for couples struggling with fertility. It is thought that cycling might aid in the ripening of eggs, their fertilization, and the formation of embryos, however further research is essential.

Things to Know Before Buying Male Fertility Supplement

Examine the tag: It is essential to think about who creates the supplement when choosing which fertility supplement to buy. “Look at the label for additives and chemicals. Check to find out if the product has been approved by NSF International or any other external organization, then look up that certifying agency. Check to ensure that the amounts of each ingredient are clearly indicated on the labels. Dr. Gersh suggests avoiding anything labeled “proprietary blend” because it is uncertain what the mixture contains; organic ingredients are given more importance.

Dr. Sekhon does not advise taking hormone replacement therapy with testosterone to increase male fertility, even though it may seem like the best idea. She explains that testosterone may produce an unexpected result: it can serve as an effective birth control method, but can lead to permanent sterility in men.

Taking a multivitamin can help with boosting fertility – while it doesn’t guarantee results, sperm cells are replaced every three months so it’s possible to enhance the chances of successful conception. Dr. Sekhon noted that this is a much brighter fact than for women, where a woman’s eggs are born with her, and she won’t be able to generate new ones or fix them over time. She states that the use of common multivitamins can be beneficial in enhancing male fertility due to the fact that they provide essential vitamins and minerals which are needed but not always present in the diet, thereby improving overall health.

Dr. Gersh cautions against taking any type of herbal supplement that contains blue cohosh, pennyroyal, Andrographis, feverfew, juniper, licorice, nettle, red clover, rosemary, shepherd’s purse, catnip, or yarrow.

Speak to your physician: As indicated by Dr. Gersh, supplements may not be beneficial for all people. She suggests that men who have had a previous vasectomy will not be able to avail of the benefits of supplementation, and that those with a very low sperm count should take action to deal with this immediately. Ultimately, if you are having issues with your fertility, make sure to speak to your general doctor before you start using any type of supplement or looking into any fertility treatment possibilities.

How to increase fertility rate naturally

Positive lifestyle changes can help prepare you for pregnancy. Some of the modifications which you can make may be working out, giving up cigarettes, moderating consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and drinking plenty of water. The tension of failing to achieve pregnancy could also contribute to your infertility. Look for ways to de-stress such as meditating, practicing yoga, getting some physical activity, or even going to talk to a therapist. Taking a prenatal or multivitamin supplement may be a good idea. Discuss your next steps with your doctor.