Fertility or reproductive health is important for both men and women. In men, infertility problems are often related to the development and motility of the sperm, according to the Institute of Nutrition. Research published by this institute reports that in some cases, infertility in men results from defects in sperm cells due to low amounts of protective nutrients such as vitamins in the diet. You can take vitamins for sperm health and improved reproductive success for up to five months before a couple would like to conceive. Certain vitamins have potent effects on spermatozoa health in men. However, fertility problems in men may require additional treatments, depending on the doctor's diagnosis.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is an important vitamin for men because it helps improve the maturation, growth and motility of sperm cells by balancing levels of the hormone testosterone. This vitamin is also important for the metabolism of food nutrients to produce energy. The National Institute of Health notes that vitamin B6 also plays a role in erythrocyte or red blood cell production and development; it is needed for the production of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein inside erythrocytes.
Vitamin B12
The site Fertilinet.com notes that vitamin B12 helps to increase motility of the sperm and overall body energy and stamina. This vitamin also plays a key role in the healthy development of erythrocytes, which are required for the transport of oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body, including spermatozoa cells in men.
Vitamin C
Fertilinet.com also recommends vitamin C to improve sperm motility. This vitamin is a potent antioxidant nutrient that helps protect the DNA in sperm cells from damage or mutations. Chromosomal mutations in the sperm can affect the development and motility of sperm cells, leading to infertility in men. According to research conducted by the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and published by the Institute of Nutrition, men who have a deficiency of vitamin C may have fertility problems because this nutrient is required for the healthy quality and movement of sperm cells. Vitamin C may also help to prevent sperm cells from sticking together or clumping, improving their motility. Dr. Glenville recommends that men take 500mg of vitamin C per day, for up to five months before conception.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a nutrient with antioxidant qualities that help to protect the DNA inside the sperm, improving the development, growth and number of sperm for better reproductive health in men. Fertility expert Dr. Marilyn Glenville advises that men who are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments with their partners take 15mg of vitamin E per day.
