Male infertility is a frustrating condition. Lifestyle changes can help increase sperm count and motility, and it may be possible to further improve sperm quality by making sure your body receives the proper amount of vitamins B12, C and E, according to MayoClinic.com. Always speak with your physician before taking any dietary supplements, as some can interfere with medications or have negative side effects in high doses.
Vitamin B12
In an article published in the medical journal "Alternative Medicine Review" in March 2000, the author, S.Sinclair, suggests findings which demonstrate that increasing levels of vitamin B12 may improve sperm count and motility. However, more studies are needed in order to verify these findings. Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in meat and dairy products, and men who make these foods a part of their regular diet should meet the recommended daily requirement for B12. It is also available as a nutritional supplement, but you should speak with your doctor before taking a B12 supplement, as it can interfere with several medications.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which means it prevents damage done to your cells by free radicals in your body, including damage to your sperm. In a study published in the September 2006 edition of the "Journal of Medicinal Food," researchers found that vitamin C may help improve sperm count, motility and overall quality. Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, as are green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and cabbage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should add an additional 35 mg of vitamin C to your diet in addition to the standard 90 mg as the recommended dietary allowance for men if you are a smoker, since the nicotine in cigarettes interferes with vitamin C absorption.
Vitamin E
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant. Multiple studies have demonstrated that vitamin E increases sperm motility and overall quality, including a study published in the medical journal "Systems Biology in Reproductive Medicine" in 2003. Dietary sources of vitamin E include corn, nuts and olives, as well as oils made from these foods. Use caution when supplementing with vitamin E. Johns Hopkins University reports that excessive intake of vitamin E can increase the risk of death.
