Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in male fertility by supporting various aspects of sperm health and reproductive function.

1. Sperm Production: Adequate zinc levels are necessary for the normal development and function of sperm cells. Research has shown that zinc combined with folic acid resulted in a 74% increase in total normal sperm count in men with subfertility.¹ Additionally, men with infertility have significantly lower zinc levels than fertile men². Zinc supplementation of at least 50 mg daily could significantly increase the sperm quality.
2. Sperm Motility & Morphology: Higher zinc levels in seminal fluid is associated with better progressive sperm motility, morphology, and total motile sperm count.²
3. Testosterone Production: Zinc is required for the production and regulation of testosterone, a key hormone involved in sperm production and male reproductive health. Zinc deficiency can lead to decreased testosterone levels, which may impact your fertility⁴.
4. Antioxidant Activity: Zinc possesses antioxidant properties, helping to protect sperm cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals⁵

References:

1. Wong WY, Merkus HM, Thomas CM, Menkveld R, Zielhuis GA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 2002;77(3):491-498. doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03229-0
2. Zhao J, Dong X, Hu X, et al. Zinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation with male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep. 2016;6:22386. Published 2016 Mar 2. doi:10.1038/srep22386
3. Gruhl SL, Ho LM, Sim MYX, et al. Seminal biomarkers and their correlations to semen parameters in subfertile men. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol X. 2023;19:100229. Published 2023 Sep 1. doi:10.1016/j.eurox.2023.100229
4. Te L, Liu J, Ma J, Wang S. Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone: A systematic review. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2023;76:127124. doi:10.1016/j.jtemb.2022.127124.
5. Zago MP, Oteiza PI. The antioxidant properties of zinc: interactions with iron and antioxidants. Free Radic Biol Med. 2001;31(2):266-274. doi:10.1016/s0891-5849(01)00583-4