Best Supplements for Male Fertility

Men today are inundated with supplements claiming to enhance fertility. But while there seems to be an endless supply of these products, do they actually work? 

The answer is yes–if you stick to supplements with proven benefits.  

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

Research has found that a whopping 30-70% of male infertility is linked to oxidative stress and too few antioxidants in semen. Abnormal sperm morphology, motility, and concentration are all common problems that contribute to male infertility.

Studies have shown that after supplementing with the potent antioxidant CoQ10, many men had a greater concentration of sperm with better motility (better swimmers). Fewer sperm cells had abnormal morphology (shape), meaning they were healthier overall, too. 

Vitamin C

Like CoQ10, vitamin C works as an antioxidant, and is also a key component of semen, playing an important role in protecting sperm from DNA damage. The higher your intake of vitamin C, the healthier your sperm are likely to be. 

You might already consume plenty of vitamin C-rich foods, but if you’re concerned about your vitamin C intake, consider taking a supplement.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is yet another antioxidant that’s particularly good at protecting sperm from DNA damage. 

In one study, a group of men struggling with infertility took a combination of vitamin E and selenium for 100 days. At the end of the study, more than half of the men had better sperm motility or morphology–or both–and nearly 11% of the men had successfully conceived with their partners. 

Zinc

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that one in three people worldwide are deficient in zinc. That’s a serious problem for men because zinc is necessary for the proper development of testicles and sperm, and also helps protect sperm from bacteria and chromosomal damage. 

Researchers have found that men who took zinc supplements experienced greater concentrations of sperm within the semen, along with better sperm motility. 

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that your body needs to produce testosterone and sperm, yet many men don’t get enough selenium.

Selenium is one of the best supplements for male fertility, and is often given in combination with a compound called N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). This combination has been linked to greater testosterone production and improved sperm quality and quantity. 

L-Carnitine

L-Carnitine (LC) is a compound that plays an important role in your body’s metabolism. Interestingly, there is typically 2,000 times more LC found in the epididymis (a tube where sperm matures) than in your bloodstream because it plays a crucial role in sperm motility. 

LC is an important energy source for sperm cells when they’re first developing, with some studies finding that LC supplements are linked with better sperm motility, higher sperm counts, and greater pregnancy rates.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids help create the membrane that surrounds sperm cells, and help your body fight inflammation, which is important because inflammation is linked to many conditions that contribute to infertility. Omega-3 fatty acids also help your overall health, so when you get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet or through supplementation, you’re less likely to suffer from health problems that may also impact your fertility. 

Again, studies have found that supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids that contain DHA and EPA is linked to higher sperm counts, better sperm motility, higher concentrations of sperm, and healthier sperm morphology. 

A Note About Supplements and Safety

Supplements can be very helpful in overcoming nutritional deficiencies, but taking high doses of many supplements can be toxic or negatively interact with other medicines you may be taking. You should always talk to your fertility doctor about whether, and how much, supplementation is right for you.

When to See a Fertility Specialist

The causes of male infertility are often complex, and it may not be possible to address them on your own. And while supplements may be beneficial, they might not always be enough to overcome infertility.

If you’ve been trying to conceive for 12 months (or six months if your partner is over 35 years old), it’s time to see a fertility specialist. Schedule a consult with the skilled team at RISE Fertility. We’ll perform an in-depth examination and semen analysis to find and treat the cause of your infertility.