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  • Writer's pictureElena Cora

Antioxidants & Male Fertility: Essential Nutrients for Sperm Count Increase

Dietary changes and medications may help increase sperm count. Antioxidants like vitamins C, folic acid, L-carnitine, selenium and vitamin E have been shown to enhance concentration, motility, morphology and DNA integrity of sperm.


Antioxidants may help alleviate oxidative stress on sperm, while avoiding recreational drugs and prescription medicines that contain steroids (for instance acetaminophen) can be useful.





Vitamin D:


Vitamin D is essential in helping the body absorb calcium and phosphate. Additionally, vitamin D plays an integral role in producing steroid hormones like testosterone; studies indicate that men with low fertility could benefit from taking supplements to increase fertility levels.


A 2020 study concluded that men who had higher vitamin D blood levels exhibited superior sperm motility compared to those with lower levels. Supplementation also helped improve motility for those suffering from herbal medicine for sex.


Vitamin C is another essential vitamin for healthy sperm production and motility, according to studies conducted. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy at increasing both counts and motility; studies also suggest it works well when used together with selenium and vitamin E supplements.


Fenugreek:


Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a readily-available plant used as a dietary supplement to improve male fertility. Packed full of D-aspartic acid - an amino acid known to increase both testosterone levels and sperm count - Fenugreek boasts numerous health benefits that may make it worth adding as a dietary addition.


One study demonstrated how supplementing with a novel, patented fenugreek seed extract rich in 20% protodioscin (FS) could increase free and total testosterone levels while improving sperm profile/morphology, sexual health, mental alertness and mood in 50 male volunteers over 12 weeks of supplementation. Furthermore, it helped lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.


Coenzyme Q10:


Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential antioxidant that has been demonstrated to increase sperm count and motility, according to several studies. Supplementing with this substance has shown to improve sperm morphology, motility, concentration and DNA integrity - suggesting its use may help combat oxidative stress-induced infertility.



Gvozdjakova et al conducted research to investigate the effects of a multivitamin complex consisting of ubiquinol, carnitine, vitamin C and vitamin E on semen parameters in men with idiopathic OAT. Their findings indicated that treatment significantly increased both sperm density and motility after three and six months.


Selenium:


Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays an integral part in male fertility, helping ensure healthy sperm production and circulation. A deficiency may contribute to low sperm counts associated with conditions known as oligospermia or azoospermia.


Study results demonstrated that oral selenium supplementation improved sperm motility and morphology among infertile men while simultaneously decreasing their levels of oxidative stress, raising testosterone and glutathione - two essential fertility-associated components. Furthermore, adding vitamin E alongside selenium improved quality even further; so for optimal dosage guidance consult your healthcare unani medicine for men.


Vitamin E:


Studies have demonstrated that taking vitamin E, an antioxidant, can increase sperm count. However, studies also demonstrate that eating foods rich in sperm-friendly nutrients is better for fertility than using supplements alone.


One study using a combination of vitamin E, zinc and selenium on infertile men with idiopathic asthenoteratospermia revealed they had more normal sperm than those taking placebos, along with higher motility and concentration levels.


Maca root, native to central Peru and known to increase male fertility is another proven supplement that helps increase sperm count. Studies have also demonstrated its beneficial properties when used as part of men's fertility supplements.


Ashwagandha:


Ashwagandha is an ancient herb known to support male testosterone levels and improve sperm count, as well as provide anti-stress properties and overall health benefits. Additionally, supplement forms of Ashwagandha can also be found for use by men.


Ashwagandha root extract has been shown to significantly increase sperm count and semen volume for men with low sperm counts (oligospermia), possibly improving motility through balancing reproductive hormone levels and possibly helping they become pregnant more quickly - one study reported 14% of their partners becoming pregnant after being treated with Ashwagandha extract.


Antioxidants:


Antioxidants are nutrients that prevent and repair oxidative damage to cells, including sperm DNA. Studies have demonstrated the positive impact antioxidants can have on increasing sperm count, concentration, motility and morphology for men with oligospermia.


One such study involved administering vitamin C, E, Lycopene L-carnitine Selenium Zinc or placebo for three months in one group of oligospermia sufferers; treatment resulted in significant gains in terms of count motility morphology DNA integrity vs sex medicine for male.


Notably, it should be remembered that if a test reveals low motility rates, no medication will help improve them.

 

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