Conceiving a child can be a lot more difficult than it sounds for many people. Struggles with infertility are not uncommon, especially for older couples and people with certain health problems. While infertility has many causes, each with its own solution or treatment, men can improve their overall fertility outlook through a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough of essential vitamins and minerals. A variety of these nutrients greatly contribute to male fertility.
Step 1
Take a vitamin supplement containing 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E and 200 mcg of selenium daily. The antioxidant powers of these nutrients reduce the oxidative stresses that can damage sperm. You can also find vitamin C in citrus fruits.
Step 2
Take 60 mg of zinc along with 1 to 2 mg of copper daily for three months, per the University of Michigan's recommendation. These minerals improve sperm quality.
Step 3
Take 3 grams a day of L-carnitine to improve sperm motility. This substance is essential for normal sperm function. It's found in meat as well as in supplements.
Step 4
Take vitamin B12 to help increase sperm count. Preliminary studies have shown this vitamin, taken orally or through injection, increased sperm count in 60 percent of the men studied. Your doctor may also administer injections of vitamin B12.
Step 5
Get enough calcium in your diet. Calcium regulates sperm function and motility, but according to the University of Michigan health database, calcium deficiency is not a confirmed cause of male infertility and evidence that calcium supplements improve fertility does not exist. Getting calcium through dairy sources and dark leafy greens is still an important part of any diet, however.
Tips and Warnings
- Visit a doctor if you're still having trouble conceiving after a few months. You and/or your partner may need to undergo fertility treatments if vitamins don't do the trick.
