Studies consistently show that sperm production takes an average of 42-76 days, which basically means that the choices you make today affect your sperm heath three months from now. Low sperm quality has been linked to falling rates of fertility worldwide and there is growing concern that these rates will continue to decrease. Luckily, there has been a large amount of research conducted which clearly states that low sperm counts, poor sperm quality and male infertility can be reversed using specific nutrients and antioxidants.

Which nutrients are beneficial for sperm quality?

1. Zinc: Poor sperm quality and low semen volume is associated with being deficient in zinc, due to increased free radicals within seminal fluid commonly seen in smokers and those exposed to environmental toxins. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated benefits of zinc supplementation with one showing an increase of 74% in total sperm count.(3) Other benefits of zinc supplementation include: increased sperm mobility, decreased DNA damage, higher fertilisation rates, reduced structural abnormality and lowered antibodies to sperm which impair quality. (1) 2. Carnitine: Sperm are required to travel further than any other human cell, and to do this they require a large amount of energy. Carnitine transports high fat compounds to energy producing cells where they are used to create more energy for sperm to propel them towards their common target, the egg for fertilisation. (1) Studies consistently show increased fertilisation rates in men who have low sperm quality after Carnitine supplementation has been introduced. (4) 3. CoQ10: COQ10 is an energy nutrient needed by every cell within the body. Not only does it provide added energy for sperm motility, it plays an important role in ensuring the health of sperm DNA which is vital for fertilisation and health of the growing embryo. (2) 4. Folate: Commonly given to women to prevent neural tube defects, this nutrient is important for sperm health also. Folate is involved in red blood cell production and healthy DNA replication, which is an integral part of the fertility process for women and men. Low levels of folate have been associated with alterations to DNA resulting in poor sperm quality. Many times this can be attributed to exposure to DNA damaging environmental toxins such as chemicals from cigarettes, pesticides and insecticides. Folate also is responsible for the correct number of chromosomes being present in egg follicles and sperm ensuring babies are born free of birth defects and reducing rates of miscarriage. (2) 5. Selenium: An antioxidant needed for every stage of sperm development and often commonly deficient in men with low sperm counts. Selenium protects developing sperm cells from damage during growth, protects the integrity of their membranes and prevents them from going rancid-as sperm are made up of fatty acids which can oxidise easily if unprotected. (3)

Naturopath Chloe Okorn

Mr Vitamins Naturopath Chloe Okorn can help you identify which factors may be the cause of low sperm count or quality, and guide you on how to improve both, alongside a plan to assist conception based on specific dietary recommendations, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine. Find out more about Chloe Okorn here      References

1. http://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2012/12/reversing-male-infertility/page-01
2. http://natural-fertility-info.com/mens-fertility
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9698665
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4163266/