Infertility can be defined as failure to conceive after at least one year of regular sexual activity. Presently, 1 out of every 4 couples has fertility problems and 40% of cases are attributable to the male partner. Current estimates suggest that 6% of men may be infertile. Male infertility can be caused by abnormal sperm but the majority of cases are caused by low sperm count. This may be as a result of drug or alcohol consumption, toxic exposure, radiation, excessive heat, an endocrine disorder, testicular injury or even mumps. As causes of infertility are multi-factorial, it is imperative that you consult a qualified health care professional before embarking on any fertility programme.

Lifestyle/Dietary Considerations

• Avoid cigarettes and alcohol, both are implicated in reduced sperm count. Drugs such as marijuana and cocaine have also been found to lower sperm counts.
• Sperm count is highest after 2/3 days of abstinence from sexual activity but reduces if this is longer than one month.
• Eat a wide variety of colourful fruit and vegetables, this will ensure that you get plenty of fibre which helps absorb toxins and excess fats but also ensures that you get a wide range of antioxidant nutrients which help protect the sperm’s DNA from damage.
• Sperm are susceptible to damage by toxic metals, consider a hair mineral analysis which will help to identify toxins.
• Saturated fats and processed oils such as hydrogenated fats should be avoided as they may increase sperm agglutination and may damage cell membranes. Essential fats from fish, nuts and seeds will have a positive effect on cell membrane structure and should be increased in the diet.

Supplement Recommendations

The link between zinc and male fertility is well recognised. Amongst others zinc deficiency is characterised by low testosterone levels and low sperm counts. Infertile men have been found to have lower levels of zinc in their semen. There are a number of studies that demonstrate that zinc supplements increase sperm count and sperm motility. Many practitioners recommend up to 30mg of zinc twice per day. Note that zinc supplements may reduce copper levels so it is helpful to get a supplement that includes copper.

Vitamin C is important for sperm production and it also helps protect sperm from oxidative damage. A study found that supplementation of 1-2g per is beneficial as it helps reduce agglutination.

Arginine is an amino acid that is helpful for both sperm production and motility, 2-3 grams may need to be taken for several months.

L- carnitine is made in the body from two amino acids. It is used to release energy from fat and to help transport essential fatty acids into the cells. A dose of 2-3 grams per day has been shown to help sperm production.

The herb ginseng has traditionally been used for sexual health and vitality. Look for Panax (Korean) ginseng.

Choose a good multi-vitamin and antioxidant complex to ensure that you are getting a well balanced range of nutrients. The antioxidant nutrients vitamins A, C and E and the mineral selenium have all be shown to be of benefit in protecting the DNA of the sperm from antioxidant damage.