Supplementation

General Supplementation for 3 to 6 months

For specific supplements for male factor click here

Below is not intended as a list as to what to take but just descriptions of different vitamins.

Vitamin A

Essential for the production of male sex hormones. It has antioxidant qualities which protects cells against damage from free radicals in the body. It also is important for the upkeep of the seminiferous tubules. A deficiency is shown to reduce sperm volume and count, and increase abnormal sperm. sources: eggs, yellow fruits and vegetables, whole milk and milk products, dark green leafy veggies, and fish oils. Take with foods that contain fat or oil, as well as with vitamin C, E, and zinc.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Together with zinc, B6 is essential for the formation of male sex hormones. A deficiency causes infertility in animals. sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, seeds, and green leafy veggies. Note: Zinc is needed for its absorption.

Vitamin B12

Folate and B12 are needed for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. These make up the blueprint for the genetic code of the entire body. Low levels can cause abnormal sperm production, reduced sperm counts, and reduced motility. even if your count is only on the low side, supplement with B12. sources: lamb, sardines, salmon, fermented foods that contain bacteria. Calcium aids in its absorption.

Folate (folic acid)

Needed for sperm production, count, motility, and low morphological abnormalities. Vitamin C aids in absorption. sources: dark green leafy veggies, broccoli, organ meats, brewer's yeast, root vegetables, whole grains, oysters, salmon, milk, legumes, asparagus, oatmeal, dried figs, and avacados.

Vitamin C

An antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals. It is needed for the healthy production of sperm. Low vitamin C levels have been linked with an increase in birth defects. It can increase count and motility of sperm. It is also shown to reduce clumping of sperm. sources: citrus fruits, rosehips, cherries, sprouted alfalfa seeds, cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet peppers, black currants, mangos, grapes, kiwi fruit, pineapples, asparagus, peas, potatoes, parsley, watercress, and spinach.

Vitamin E

Rats fed a diet free of vitamin e cannot reproduce. It also is an antioxidant. It may also help the sperm penetrate the egg. Deficiency leads to a degeneration of testicular tissues. Vitamin E has anticoagulant properties, so caution if taking blood thinners. sources: cold pressed oils, wheat germ, organ meats, molasses, eggs, sweet potatoes, leafy veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and avacados.

Selenium

Deficiency may cause infertility. It is needed to properly shape sperm and to maintain count. It may have a key role in the functioning of the epididymis. It is an antioxidant which protects the cells in the sperm that have a high fat content. sources: tuna, herring, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and bran, whole grains, and sesame seeds.

Zinc

Deficiencies of Zinc are quite common. Zinc is important for the cell division and the production of healthy sperm. It is the most critical trace mineral for male sexual function. It is needed for testosterone metabolism, testicle growth, sperm production, motility, count, reducing excess estrogen in male reproductive tissue. Every time a man ejaculates he loses about 5 mg of zinc. Alcohol depletes zinc in the body. Folic acid, tea, coffee, high fiber intake, and iron may inhibit absorption. Vitamin B6 and C may aid absorption. sources: lean meat, fish, seafood, chicken, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, rye, oats, whole grains, legumes, ginger, parsley, mushrooms, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ.

Coenzyme Q10

Important for energy production. ICSI fertilization rates may rise when taking this supplement. It also improves blood flow. It is present in large amounts in the seminal fluid. It protects them against free radical damage, gives sperm energy (along with fructose), and increases their motility.

Essential Fatty Acids

Very important to take when trying to concieve. EFA's act as hormone regulators. Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 arachidonic acid are important structural elements of cell membranes, body tissue, and brain development in the fetus. Sperm contain high concentrations of omega-3's, in particular DHA (found in oily fish). DHA is in the sperm tail (motility). sources: Omega-3; flaxseed, oily fish (mackerel, herring, salmon, sardines), walnuts, green leafy veggies, and tuna (not more than 150g/week). sources: Omega-6; seeds and their oils. Note: be careful if you are currently taking blood thinning medication. Also, these should be taken with antioxidants vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and grapeseed extract.

Herbs

Ginseng (Radix Ginseng, Ren Shen) may improve levels of testosterone. Tribullus (Tribullus Silvestrus, Bai Ji Li) has been found to support healthy sperm production and is used to treat sexual dysfunction (impotence and libido). Some herbs that may adversely affect fertility are St. John's Wort, Saw Palmetto, Licorice, and Echinacea.