Fertility depends on sperm quantity, quality and motility. When you and your partner decide to have a baby, taking certain supplements may help improve these factors. Having a higher sperm count can increase your chances of conceiving, as long as you are both generally healthy. If you are having difficulty with conception, talk with your doctor before you decide to take any type of supplements to make sure you don't have a more serious issue.
Vitamin C
You need vitamin C for maximum sperm quantity and normal function, explains the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin C helps keep you healthy by improving immune system function so you can fight off harmful foreign invaders. It also works as an antioxidant by eliminating destructive free radicals, which are highly reactive substances that feed on healthy cells. An influx of free radicals increases oxidative stress in your body, increasing your risk of chronic illness. Keep your body healthy and increase your odds of producing more sperm by getting the recommended 90 mg of vitamin C daily. Taking a daily multivitamin provides essential vitamin C, as well as other nutrients you need to increase semen quantity.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E also has antioxidant properties and can help with the function of sperm. Researchers at the China Agricultural University published a study in the "Animal Reproduction Science" journal in 2010 looking into the benefits of vitamin E on semen quality and quantity. Vitamin E works by protecting cell membranes and mitochondria in the testes, improving semen production. While researchers observed this positive function of vitamin E, research was conducted on sheep and they were unable to determine optimal vitamin E intake amounts. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, you need 15 mg of vitamin E daily.
Cordyceps militaris
Cordyceps militaris is a type of fungi you can take in over-the-counter supplements and is a common Chinese treatment for sexual function. According to a study conducted at the Jenteh Junior College of Medicine and Nursing Management in Taiwan and published in the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" in 2008 Cordyceps militaris can improve sperm production. Researchers fed rats Cordyceps militaris supplements for six weeks, in addition to a regular diet. As compared to the control group, rats receiving Cordyceps militaris supplements showed an increased amount of motile sperm, in addition to improvements in quality and quantity.
Manganese
Manganese is a mineral you need in tiny amounts each day. Just like vitamins C and E, manganese has antioxidant properties in your system. Having a manganese deficiency results in testicular degeneration and a low sperm count in some men, according to the Health Information Organization. Taking a daily supplement providing 1.4 mg of manganese may help improve semen quantity and boost your sex drive.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Healthy Sperm: Improving Your Fertility; December 2010
- "Animal Reproduction Science"; Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Semen Quality and the Testicular Cell Membranal and Mitochondrial Antioxidant Abilities in Aohan Fine-Wool Sheep; D. Yue, et al.; April 2010
- "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Effect of Cordyceps militaris Supplementation on Sperm Production, Sperm Motility and Hormones in Sprague-Dawley Rats; Y. Chang, et al.; 2008
- Health Information Organization: Male Infertility - Improving Sperm Quality
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
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