While it’s common practice for women to take prenatal vitamins, men also need specific nutrition for their fertility. Taking men’s preconception vitamins is more than just a show of support for your partner; it helps promote healthy sperm. It has been demonstrated that strong antioxidants such as L-carnitine, L-arginine, L-aurine, and green tea extract enhance sperm characteristics during spermatogenesis. Another important nutrient that has been connected to important pregnancy outcomes is folate.
Increases Sperm Count
As we know, women are routinely advised to take prenatal vitamins for their health and the development of a healthy fetus. However, what many don’t realize is that men are also recommended to consider taking male prenatal to help increase their sperm count and improve their overall sperm quality.
One of the key ingredients in the best men’s preconception vitamins is L-arginine. Along with Folic Acid, L-arginine, an amino acid, has several potential benefits for male fertility. It is believed to play a role in improving sperm count, motility, and overall sperm quality. Additionally, L-arginine may enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, supporting optimal sexual function and promoting a healthier male reproductive system.
CoQ10 is another essential component of a male prenatal. This antioxidant lowers oxidative stress, which can reduce sperm motility and count. It can be found in foods like avocado, meat and fish, but to get the highest levels of this nutrient, it’s best to opt for supplements.
Another supplement that has been proven to improve sperm is acetyl L-carnitine. This nutrient stimulates glutathione, which has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the testes and promote sperm health.
Increases Sperm Health
Several nutrients help improve sperm health, including folate, vitamin C, and selenium. Folate, sometimes referred to as folic acid, is necessary for sperm DNA synthesis and aids in preventing aneuploidy or abnormal chromosomes. It can be found in supplements and fortified foods and naturally in foods like liver, asparagus, brussels sprouts, and nuts. For best results, look for a men’s prenatal supplement that uses the most bioavailable form of folate called 5-MTHF or L-methylfolate.
Other important supplements for sperm health include acetylcysteine, L-carnitine, L-arginine, L-aurine, and green tea extract. Research suggests acetylcysteine reduces oxidative stress and may protect sperm from aging and DNA damage. Moreover, it increases the synthesis of glutathione, an antioxidant that protects sperm from the oxidative damage caused by alcohol and tobacco use.
The immune system-boosting antioxidant selenium is good for sperm health. It might aid in restoring sperm motility and morphology and preventing damage from free radicals. An essential water-soluble vitamin that helps maintain healthy blood cells and the immune system is vitamin C. Vitamin C has also been shown to boost sperm concentration and motility.
Increases Sperm Quality
Folate is one of the most important vitamins for fertility. It is often used in prenatal vitamins to prevent neural tube defects and has been shown to improve sperm quality. Folate is available in many fortified foods and dietary supplements, such as men’s prenatal vitamins. Some men choose to take a supplement that contains 5-MTHF, which is more bioavailable and less heat-sensitive than folic acid.
Vitamin C and E are also important antioxidants for sperm health. They reduce oxidative stress in the testicles and help sperm repair DNA. These vitamins are available in various dietary sources, including oranges, kiwis, tomatoes, bell peppers, kale, avocado, dry apricots, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and egg yolks. Some all-in-one male fertility supplements contain Vitamin C, while others are fortified with l-carnitine and CoQ10.
Vitamin B12 is another essential vitamin for fertility. It helps prevent high levels of homocysteine, which can lead to poor sperm quality, low motility, and higher DNA fragmentation. It is found in animal products, such as eggs, milk, and meat, but is also available in a men’s prenatal vitamin.
Increases Sperm Motility
Men with a vitamin C deficiency often have problems conceiving. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can counteract oxidative stress in the testis, leading to sperm abnormalities and poor motility. It is typically combined with other antioxidants like selenium and CoQ10 for impactful results.
Folic acid is important for cellular health, and DNA synthesis is critical for producing healthy sperm. The recommended daily amount is 400 micrograms per day. Folic acid can also help reduce chromosomal abnormalities in sperm. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for optimum sperm health and are found in various foods, including nuts (especially walnuts), seeds, vegetable oils and fish. A recent study showed that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids significantly increased sperm motility, morphology and concentration in infertile men.
Increases Sperm Receptivity
Men who suffer from varicocele or low sperm count or those exposed to environmental dangers like organic fumes, radiation exposure, and smoking can benefit from taking preconception vitamins before pregnancy. The antioxidants in these supplements (which can also help with fertility problems like low sperm motility and concentration) reduce oxidative stress that can affect sperm DNA.
Folic acid, a B vitamin, is essential to cell health and DNA synthesis. Folic acid supplementation has been shown to increase sperm count and motility in infertile men.
Zinc is important for the reproductive system. In one study, supplementing with zinc resulted in a 75% increase in normal sperm in subfertile men.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost sperm motility and concentration. It has also been found to reduce oxidative stress in men by increasing glutathione levels, which can help with egg and sperm receptivity. Coenzyme Q10 is another natural antioxidant shown to increase sperm motility and fertilization rates in studies.
