Do Men’s Fertility Supplements Really Help?

Understanding Male Infertility

Male infertility is common, and in about half of all cases in which a couple is struggling to conceive, the man is part of the problem. In 20 percent, they’re the entire cause of the issue. There are many different causes of male infertility, but most of the time, a man’s fertility depends on the quality and quantity of his sperm. Is there anything you can do to improve these factors? Can fertility supplements really help?

Male Fertility Supplements

There is no shortage of dietary supplements on the market, purporting to boost male fertility. There are pills, capsules, tablets, and liquids, containing ingredients like zinc, selenium, arginine, coenzyme Q, and folic acid. Research into these supplements has had mixed results, in part because there haven’t been many large, well-designed trials. The general consensus, however, is that, while supplements can be beneficial, it’s better get your nutrition from your diet.

Which Nutrients Are Most Important for Male Fertility?

To be beneficial, a supplement doesn’t need to be specifically designated for fertility. Choosing nutrients that benefit your fertility, even if they are just regular vitamins and minerals, can help supplement your diet and have a positive impact. For a man experiencing fertility issues, taking supplements can be a proactive step that helps him feel a sense of control over his situation. Here are some of the most important nutrients for male fertility.

• Vitamin C: Known for its immunity-boosting properties, Vitamin C also improves sperm motility and boosts circulation. It’s especially important for smokers, and is best delivered in foods that are raw or lightly cooked. Because it doesn’t stay in your body, it needs to be part of your diet each day, and can be found in peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, tomatoes, papaya, strawberries, kiwi, and citrus fruit.
• Zinc: One of the most important nutrients for male fertility, zinc is a powerful antioxidant. Good sources of zinc include meats like oysters, steak, venison, and lamb, vegetables like spinach, green peas, and white mushrooms, seeds and nuts like pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cashews, pecans, almonds, walnuts peanuts, and other foods, including wheat, oats, eggs, and dark chocolate.
• Arginine: Also called L-arginine, this amino acid is believed to increase sperm count and improve sperm quality, as well as increasing blood flow around the body. It’s found in almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, lentils, and kidney beans.
• CoQ10: Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant thought to improve sperm quality and motility. CoQ10 rich foods include beef, pork, chicken, fish, peanuts, pistachios, sesame seeds, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and cauliflower. It’s better to get CoQ10 through diet, because supplements can cause unpleasant side effects like stomach issues and insomnia.
• Selenium: Selenium increases sperm motility, but it is important not to take too much about it, because large quantities can be toxic. Get your doctor’s advice before taking selenium supplements, but you can get it through your diet by eating Brazil nuts, strawberries, and sunflower seeds.
• L-Carnitine: This amino acid assists with cellular metabolism and sperm motility. Your body produces L-Carnitine, but you can add to it by eating red meat, cheese, nuts, seeds, artichokes, asparagus, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.
• Folate: Also called vitamin B9 or folic acid, this is extremely important for female fertility, and there is evidence that it improves sperm quality. Folate is found in broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, celery, carrots, peas, citrus fruits, lentils, avocado, strawberries, fortified foods, and liver.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants combat free radicals and improve sperm quality. Vitamin C and zinc are excellent antioxidants, as are vitamin E and beta-carotene. Carrots, sweet potato, spinach, peppers, broccoli, lettuce, kale, squash, pumpkins, tomatoes, and mangos are all good sources of beta carotene, while vitamin E can be found in almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, spinach, broccoli, avocado, apricots, and wheat germ.

Help with Fertility, From Experienced Medical Professionals

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we pride ourselves on helping men improve their fertility through uncompromising, concierge-level patient care. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other fertility concerns. To learn more about the work we do or our discounts for active duty military and veterans, contact us through our website or call 941-894-6428.