Vitamins that Can Help with Men’s Reproductive Health

Vitamins that Can Help with Men’s Reproductive Health

Infertility is a frustrating problem, and one that affects about one of every eight couples in the United States. Certain vitamins and supplements have long been recommended for women, but are there any vitamins men can take to improve their odds? Yes, there are a number of nutrients that help support reproductive function in men.

Vitamins and Other Nutrients that Help Both Men and Women

Since we know that certain vitamins are useful in promoting female fertility, let’s take a look at some that also work for men.

• Folate: This important nutrient is found mostly in dark green leafy vegetables, peas, nuts, and beans, as well as oranges, lemons, bananas, melons, and strawberries. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, and is in prenatal vitamins and fortified foods because can help boost the chances of conception, and can prevent neural tube defects in the baby.
• Acetyl L-carnitine: This is an acetylated formulation of an amino acid known as L-carnitine, which can help support reproductive function in women and improve sperm motility in men. Acetyl L-carnitine is a supplement, but you can find L-carnitine in meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products.
• Zinc: Low zinc levels have been linked to infertility, and zinc is important for maintaining normal sperm quality and function. For women, adequate zinc improves the time it takes to conceive. You can take zinc supplements, but it’s better to get it from foods like oysters, beef, and pork.
• B Vitamins: B vitamins benefit women’s fertility, and there’s evidence that they can improve sperm quality, boost production, and help with proper DNA synthesis. Take a B complex supplement, or incorporate into your diet some of the many vitamin B rich foods, which include yogurt, trout, shellfish, leafy greens, sunflower seeds, organ meats, beef, and much more.
• Calcium: Adequate calcium in the body can promote fertility in both men and women, boosting sperm production in men. It is easy and healthiest to ingest calcium through the foods you eat, including dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds.
• Coenzyme Q10: Coenzyme Q10 is produced naturally in the body, but increasing the amount of it in your blood can boost fertility, especially for those undergoing IVF. Research indicates that supplementing with CoQ10 can increase both sperm concentration and motility. Studies have not been as conclusive regarding its impact on women, but it is thought that it can increase ovarian response.
• Vitamin D: Potentially, vitamin D can improve men’s reproductive health. Studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and lower testosterone levels. Milk is fortified with vitamin D, and for people who are dairy-free, there is fortified soy milk, as well. Other great sources of this important nutrient include salmon and cremini mushrooms.
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E has been shown to protect sperm against oxidative damage, improving fertility. It can be found in nuts and seeds, fish like trout and salmon, colorful vegetables like butternut squash, red sweet pepper, and turnip greens, and avocado, mango, and kiwi fruit.
• DHA Omega 3s: Mostly found in seafood, DHA Omega-3s help women over 35 become pregnant, and increase sperm motility. If you are not someone who eats seafood, you can get this nutrient from a supplement.
• Selenium: This mineral can reduce the risk of miscarriage, and it can also improve sperm motility and semen quality. The richest sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, meat, poultry, and organ meats.

Male-Specific Nutrients

Some vitamins and minerals that are not appropriate for women trying to conceive can be extremely beneficial for their male partners.

• Vitamin C: This is another nutrient that reduces oxidative stress, preventing damage to cells. It also improves the absorption of iron, and when taken with vitamin E, it can increase sperm count and mobility. Vitamin C is, of course, found in citrus fruit, but you can also get it from strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale.
• Vitamin K: This vitamin helps with blood clotting, helps balance hormones, and supports strong, healthy bones. Vitamin K can be found in leafy greens and fermented foods.
• Vitamin A: Essential for men’s reproductive health, vitamin A helps with sperm production, motility, and quality. It also strengthens the immune system and helps maintain reproductive health. Foods full of vitamin A include carrots, sweet potatoes, leafy greens, fish oils, dairy products, and liver.
• Magnesium: Supplementing with magnesium has been shown to increase testosterone production, improving fertility. Magnesium can be found in spinach, pumpkin seeds, and tuna. Tuna is a great option, because it also contains other beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids.

For Help with Fertility and Information on Supplements, Trust Center for Vasectomy Reversal

Before adding any supplements to your diet, make sure to speak to a medical professional. Whether you need medical help with fertility or advice on useful lifestyle and dietary changes to improve your reproductive health, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here for you. 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.