When it comes to dealing with pregnancy or fertility issues, it can be tempting to turn to one of the many male fertility supplements on the market. However, research on the safety and effectiveness of these supplements is limited.
Because supplements aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) like drugs are, it can be difficult to know whether a supplement does what it says it does or what effect it will have on the body, explains Philip Cheng, MD. , a male infertility physician and urologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey. To get the nutrients needed to support healthy sperm production, she recommends focusing on a healthy diet.
Research shows that the following supplements can improve sperm quality, especially if you're not getting enough of the nutrients they provide in your diet, but remember it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before trying any new supplements. Avoid interactions with any medications you are taking.
Coenzyme Q10
Research Notes Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinol, is one of the most studied and promising supplements for improving male fertility. Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that is naturally produced in your body and stored in your mitochondria (the energy factories in your cells). Its antioxidant properties can help protect sperm from harmful free radicals.
One study found that men who took CoQ10 experienced a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility compared to those who took a placebo.
Russell Hayden, MD, a Harvard-educated urologist specializing in male infertility and microsurgery, recommends 300 milligrams to 400 milligrams of coenzyme Q10 supplements daily for male infertility patients.
omega-3 fatty acids
When it comes to male fertility supplements, "DHA has the strongest evidence to support the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements," says Lauren Manaker, registered dietitian and author of Male Fertility Support .
Fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are important components of sperm membranes, and omega-3 fatty acid intake is directly related to sperm quality, so the more you consume, the better sperm quality you can have. get . .
A recent study on the effects of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA on male infertility found that men who received omega-3 treatment had significantly increased sperm motility compared to men who received a placebo.
If your intake of omega-3s from foods like fatty fish, walnuts, chia and flaxseeds is low, you may benefit from a supplement.
prenatal vitamins for men
Women trying to get pregnant are often advised to take prenatal vitamins, but prenatal vitamins for men are also starting to gain popularity, says licensed nutritionist Becca Romero, a functional nutritionist who specializes in fertility. He recommends WeNatal For H and Needed Male Prenatal Multivitamins to his patients.
WeNatal For H is a prenatal supplement designed to support the overall health of men's sperm. It contains a number of vitamins and minerals, as well as other ingredients and antioxidants marketed to improve male fertility, including maca, CoQ10 and acetyl-L-carnitine.
Needed Men's Multi is recommended for men before and after pregnancy. Contains many vitamins and minerals, as well as an organic antioxidant blend of foods such as grapes, cranberries, pomegranates, blueberries, apples, mangosteens, blueberries, chokeberries and goji berries.
Prenatal male multivitamins can fill in any nutritional gaps in your diet and help prevent deficiencies that can affect sperm quality. When choosing prenatal supplements for men, avoid formulas that contain unstudied ingredients or excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals.