The health of your sperm can affect fertility; unhealthy sperm can lessen the chances of you and your partner conceiving a child. When you're trying for a baby, you'll likely do all you can to improve the condition of your sperm. Your physician may recommend dietary changes as well as other lifestyle adjustments to increase your fertility, but there are supplements you can take that may enhance the quality of your sperm. Consult your physician before starting any supplements.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, may improve sperm motility, increasing your chances of conception. A study published in the July 2009 issue of "The Journal of Neurology" indicates taking 300 mg of CoQ10 for a 26-week period may significantly improve the motility of your sperm. Researchers point out, however, that more studies are needed on the effects CoQ10 might have on fertility. A safe dosage of CoQ10 ranges from 30 to 200 mg on a daily basis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although you should avoid taking these supplements if you are on some blood thinners, chemotherapy medications or blood pressure medications because CoQ10 may interfere with their effectiveness.
Carnitine
Consider adding carnitine, also known as L-carnitine and Acetyl-L-carnitine, to your daily diet. These supplements may enhance sperm health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, carnitine deficiencies may result in low sperm counts, a condition that can decrease fertility. This supplement may also play a role in preventing erectile problems. Research published in the September 2009 issue of "Current Medical Research and Opinion" notes that taking carnitine for 12 weeks, along with other supplements, may reduce the incidence of erectile dysfunction in men suffering from diabetes, although more research is needed to confirm that carnitine may improve erectile dysfunction in the larger male population. Additionally, carnitine shows promise as a supplement for enhancing the motility of sperm. A study reported in the February 2005 edition of the journal "Fertility and Sterility" notes that study participants who took 2 g of carnitine every day over a period of three months showed improved sperm motility. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking 300 to 1,000 mg of carnitine three times daily is sufficient.
Selenium
Taking selenium supplements may enhance sperm by improving its motility and count. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that selenium, an antioxidant that combats tissue damage caused by free radicals, plays a role in forming proteins found in sperm. Evidence reported in the January 2009 edition of "The Journal of Neurology" notes that selenium may effectively treat male fertility. Study participants taking 200 mcg of selenium over a 26-week period showed improvements in semen quality, including motility and concentration. You can take a dosage ranging from 55 to 200 mcg daily, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your physician if you are taking anticoagulants, barbiturates or chemotherapy drugs as selenium may react with certain pharmaceuticals.
References
- PubMed: Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormones in infertile men
- PubMed: Efficacy of selenium and/or N-acetyl-cysteine for improving semen parameters in infertile men: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study
- PubMed: Oral carnitine supplementation increases sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men with normal sperm phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase levels
- PubMed: Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine, L-arginine and nicotinic acid on the efficacy of vardenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in diabetes
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Selenium
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