Male fertility is dependent on three factors: sperm quantity, sperm quality and sperm motility. Sperm motility is the sperm cell's ability to swim to properly fertilize a female egg. Several factors can affect sperm motility such as stress, diet, body weight and level of physical activity. Scientific studies have shown that increasing your dietary intake of certain vitamins can greatly improve the motility of your sperm.
Vitamin B12
Scientific studies have shown a direct relationship between vitamin B12 and sperm motility. A study performed by the Department of Clinical Nutrition at Sun Yat-sen University of Medical Sciences in China revealed that vitamin B12 acts as an antioxidant and reduces the oxidative stress on sperm cells. Oxidative stress can change the structure of sperm cells and reduce motility of sperm cells. This study shows that greater amounts of vitamin B12 in sperm cells results in lower risk due to oxidative stress, thus increased sperm motility. Dietary sources of vitamin B12 include fish, shellfish, organ meats and eggs.
Zinc
There is scientific evidence that zinc can improve sperm motility. A study performed by Michael Busk Sorensen and published in "MHR Basic Science of Reproductive Medicine" in 1999 showed that zinc concentrations are crucial for adequate sperm motility. Dietary sources for zinc are oysters, crab, pork tenderloin, lobster, cashew nuts and yogurt.
Co-Enzyme Q10
Scientific studies have also shown that proper levels of co-enzyme Q10 are beneficial for proper sperm motility. A study performed by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School in Israel revealed that oral administration of 60mg of co-enzyme Q10 significantly increased fertilization rates in study subjects. The results of this study favorably predict the positive effect of co-enzyme Q10 on sperm function and motility. Dietary sources of co-enzyme Q10 are herring, soybean oil, canola oil, peanuts, sesame seeds and pistachio nuts.
References
- HealthCommunities.com: Male Infertility Alternative Treatment
- "MHR Basic Science of Reproductive Medicine": Chelation of intracellular zinc ions affects human sperm cell motility
- PubMed.gov: Comparison of seminal vitamin B12, folate, reactive oxygen species and various sperm parameters between fertile and infertile males
- PubMed.gov: The effect of coenzyme Q10 on sperm motility and function
- MayoClinic.com: Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Coenzyme Q10
