Dietary supplements
Semen contains a range of minerals, vitamins and other compounds which are considered necessary for sperm formation, maturation and functioning.4
Dietary supplements for male infertility focus on two key minerals, selenium to help with normal sperm production and development, and zinc. Low zinc levels are associated with low sperm counts and low testosterone levels. Zinc may also protect against bacterial and chromosome damage.4,5
Folic acid in combination with zinc is required in the spermatogenesis pathway. Reduced levels of calcium, copper and magnesium may also reduce fertility.4
Supplements marketed for fertility can also contain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, including vitamin C and tocopherol (vitamin E), to help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, L-carnitine, to transport long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria in sperm, and coenzyme Q10 for antioxidant regeneration.4
Inositol, vitamins B6 and D, and herbal extracts such as Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) and Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) may also be included.
Resveratrol, a plant polyphenol found particularly in grapes (including red wine), peanuts and blueberries, has antioxidant properties. Studies suggest it may help protect against some chemicals which impair sperm quality and activity, while having a positive role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis.28,29,30