Zinc and sperm

[trixiebelle17]

Is anyone's DH,DF or DP taking zinc?
I was at the chemist today buying folate and she got excited (she told me she is trying to get her son to give her a grandchild..lol) and said DH should take zinc to help with sperm... I've never heard that before... does anyone know how and if it helps (not that Dh prob needs it, he has proved in the past he works... naughty boy!)?

[chunkydunks]

I'll find some info for you but it does wonders.

BRB with some info.

[Craftymum]

My DH is on a multi mens vitamin with high levels of what you need for TTC, and also he is on Fish Oil tabs. Yet to see any positive BFP, but I know the problem doesnt lie with him!

[chunkydunks]

Got a few things for you

Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive after one year or more of regular sexual activity without the use of a contraceptive.
The number of men suffering from male infertility is astonishing. Many causes have been linked as contributory factors to infertility in men, including: Alcohol, smoking, drugs, pollutions and stress. Much research has been done in this subject matter and medical community concludes that Zinc may hold the answer to increasing fertility in sub fertile men.
Many of the health benefits of Zinc have been know for quite sometime. Zinc is necessary for:
Zinc is a wide-ranging mineral and it contains over 200 of the body's enzymes. Semen and its constituents generally contain a high volume on the mineral. Zinc deficiency leads to decreased numbers of sperm and impotence in men.


Biochemical reactions to take place within your body
To support healthy immune system
Healing cuts and bruises
Helping you maintain a sense of taste and smell
Growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence


Recently completed study has brought yet another proof of the link between Zinc and the production of sperm by the testicles. A group of men were given daily supplements of Folic Acid and Zinc Sulphate in order to assess their effect on spermatogenesis. The researchers found that the two substances had significantly increased the sperm concentration in sub fertile men. Although the mechanisms involved in the concentration of sperm are still unclear and require further studying, it is quite clear that Zinc and the Folic Acid can help men who are less fertile to conceive children.Men interested in improved sperm production should consider a zinc supplementation. The daily dose of 66 milligrams of Zinc Sulphate are safe, since none of the men involved in the study has reported any side effects. This means that you can supplement your own daily intake of minerals, although you should talk the matter with a doctor before putting yourself at any kind of risk.



A diet low in zinc can reduce fertility in both men and women. Oysters are packed with zinc, but you don´t have to eat a dozen oysters every day to be fertile. Eating a variety of foods rich in zinc, like seafood (oysters, mussels, prawns), red meat, legumes (baked beans, lentils, kidney beans), chicken, cheese, yogurt and eggs may help keep your reproductive system working properly.

Several other vitamins are important for fertility. There is evidence to show that vitamins B12, C and E play a role in improving sperm quality in men. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as lean meat, fish and nuts will ensure you get plenty of these vitamins every day.

A varied and well balanced diet, rather than any specific food, will help improve your chances of conceiving a baby. To maximise your potential to conceive, it is important to:


Maintain a healthy weight – strict dieting and a severe drop in weight can affect ovulation in women or sperm production in men. On the other hand, being obese may also affect fertility.
Enjoy a variety of foods from the core food groups every day including fresh fruits, vegetables, wholegrain breads, cereals, legumes, lean meats, poultry, fish and reduced fat dairy products.
Include a variety of foods that are naturally high in zinc like lean red meats and seafood.
Eat a variety of foods rich in folate (http://www.nestle.com.au/Nutrition/Planning/FolicAcid/folateCalculator.htm). A folic acid supplement (0.5mg daily) is also encouraged one month before conception and during the first three months of pregnancy.
Limit your intake of alcohol – even small amounts of alcohol can interfere with fertility.
Watch your intake of caffeinated beverages – too much caffeine can decrease fertility in women. However, for men, drinking a cup of coffee before making love can cause sperm to become more active. Slow sperm is one of the main causes of infertility in men.
Refrain from smoking. Tobacco smoke and recreational drugs can harm your unborn child.



While eating a healthy, balanced diet, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes is the best way to get your body in shape for a baby there are certain foods which are said to boost (or at least optimise) your fertility. By including the following foods in your own and your partners diet you can help to ensure that you are getting all the important nutrients you need to make a baby.

Whole grains

Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat and quinoa are complex carbohydrates and so not only give you lots of energy for baby-making by releasing sugar into your blood slowly and evenly, but also contain an abundance of B and E vitamins that are essential for cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production of healthy ova and sperm.

Oily fish

Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are the best source of essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6 which play an important role in regulating reproductive functioning, improving blood flow and enhancing sperm quality and mobility. Flaxseed oil is a good EFA alternative for those who don't eat fish.

Full fat dairy

Research has found that women who eat at least one portion of full fat dairy a day are significantly less likely to suffer from fertility problems that those who consistently go for low fat or non dairy options. Dairy products are also a great source of calcium which is important in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, bones and blood.

Garlic

Although not typically known as a food for romance, garlic contains an abundance of fertility boosting nutrients and can easily be neutralised with parsley. It's a great source of the mineral selenium which is thought to enhance male fertility and help prevent the chromosome breakage that may play a role in early miscarriage. Garlic also contains vitamin B6 which helps to regulate hormones and strengthens the immune system.

Lean red meat

Lean red meat is a great source of iron which helps to prevent anaemia, decreases the risk of ovulatory infertility and plays a role in the production and function of red blood cells. Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12 which is essential in the maintenance and development of the nervous system.

Honey

Honey has been used to enhance fertility throughout history as it is incredibly rich in the minerals and amino acids that nourish the reproductive system and stimulate ovarian function. It's considered by many to be a fertility boosting super food.

Spinach

Spinach and other leafy greens are an excellent source of folic acid which is important in optimising sperm production, facilitating regular, healthy ova production and helping to prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy. It is also a great source of iron and vitamin C which helps to enhance sperm quality by protecting the DNA stored within it from damage.

Oysters

It is the abundance of zinc found in this seafood delicacy that gives it its fertility boosting qualities. Zinc is often considered to be the most important fertility nutrient as it has been shown to help with both healthy sperm and egg production. If oysters aren't your thing, zinc can also be found in baked beans, eggs, nuts, whole grains and pumpkin seeds.

Chillies

These certainly 'spice' things up in the fertility department by increasing the flow of blood around the body, ensuring that the reproductive system gets a healthy supply. Chillies also stimulate endorphin production which means more fertility boosting, stress releasing, happy hormones circulate around your body and are also an excellent source of vitamin C which helps with iron absorption.

Avocado

Avocado provides a rich source of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and an essential fertility nutrient for both men and women as it improves the viability of sperm and helps to regulate both ovulation and the production of cervical mucus. It is also an excellent source of unsaturated fats which are essential for healthy hormone functioning, olive oil is another good vegetable source.

In general when trying for a baby it pays to go for good quality, unprocessed foods as these are likely to be much richer in vitamins, minerals and nutrients and also freer from pesticides and added oestrogens that may disrupt reproductive functioning in both men and women. By supplementing a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle with the foods listed above you will help to ensure you have all the nutrients you need to ensure your reproductive system is in optimum condition.

Hope all that helps some.

[trixiebelle17]

thanks crafty! :hugs:

chunky.. i didnt realise u meant that much information thanks :hugs:

so considering i don't have any reason to believe that Dh has any issues with infertility is their any point in him taking it? He seems to enjoy taking vitamins so it wouldnt be an issue to suggest it to him

[chunkydunks]

If he's taking a mens multi usually its enough to help. Otherwise maybe some zinc wouldn't go astray. It helps with more than just fertility too. It helps boost the immune system so you get over cold and flus and other illnesses easier and it also is great for healing. I took it after my CS and it healed really well and relly quick. Same with DH, he took zinc after his accident and his scar healed nicely. Well as well as it could for something so big.