About 15 percent of couples experience conception problems, and this percentage is growing. Infertility is defined as the absence of conception after one year of regular intercourse without the use of any contraceptive. Men are responsible for this problem at least 45 percent of the time. Three major factors affect of male fertility, and they’re all related to sperm: sperm count, sperm motility and sperm quality. Where modern medicine has developed its own technical solutions for assisting infertile couples in getting pregnant, complementary medicine can also offer its own assistance in increasing male fertility. Nutritional supplements often hold out hope where pharmaceutical medicine fails, and the area of sperm quality is no exception. Antioxidants that protect spermatozoa from damaging free radicals and cell energizing nutrients can improve sperm motility, sperm count, and the number of normal sperm cells, while reducing damage to sperm DNA—ultimately improving the chances of successful pregnancy.

Several vitamins have been shown to increase quality of sperm production, including vitamin A, vitamin  B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D and folic acid.The minerals, selenium and zinc can increase sperm count, as well.

Vitamin A. Vitamin A (beta carotene) is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that plays a key role in repairing damage caused by the environment and aging  and in preventing cellular damage due to oxidizing free radicals. Studies indicate vitamin A supports sperm motility.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and an important antioxidant. The American Dietetic Association recommends men consume at least 90 mg of vitamin C to improve their fertility.  It was found that doses of Vitamin C from 2,000 to 6,000 mg daily help prevent sperm from clumping or sticking together, thus improving the chances for fertility. A study published in 2006 in the “Journal of Medicinal Foods” proved vitamin C increases sperm production. The study monitored the effects of vitamin C supplementation on sperm motility, sperm count and sperm health in infertile men. The men were given 1,000 mg of vitamin C twice a day for two months. At the end of the study, the supplemented men showed marked improvements in all three parameters, with sperm count increasing from 14 million per ml of semen to 32 million per ml of semen. The mean sperm motility was increased significantly to 60.1% (from 43%), and mean sperms with normal morphology increased significantly to 66.7% (from 31.2%). This study showed that vitamin C supplementation in infertile men might improve sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology and might have a place as an additional supplement to improve the semen quality towards conception.

Vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. Selenium is a key antioxidant that reduces oxidative damage from free radicals and may improves sperm motility and concentration. In research study included infertile men with idiopathic asthenoteratozoospermia who received supplemental daily Selenium (200 μg) in combination with vitamin E (400 units) for at least 100 days was found that 52.6% cases have total improvement in sperm motility, morphology, or both, and 10.8% cases have spontaneous pregnancy in comparison with no treatment. It was suggested that combination therapy with oral selenium and vitamin E may improve semen quality and have beneficial and protective effects, especially on sperm motility.

Vitamin B12.  Vitamin B12 is known to promote healthy DNA. Vitamin B12 is good for sperm count, motility and quality.

Zinc and folic acid. Zinc is a trace mineral that provides a antioxidative function. Zinc is found in only a few foods. Zinc deficiency is linked to infertility in men, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Folic acid is a B vitamin needed for the production and maintenance of new cells. A study published in the Journal “Fertility and Sterility” in 2002 showed a positive relationship between zinc and folic acid supplementation and sperm production in infertile men. The study randomly assigned four groups of men to receive either 5 mg of folic acid, 66 mg of zinc, 5 mg of folic acid and zinc or a placebo. The men taking the folic acid and zinc combination improved their sperm count by 74% and increased abnormal spermatozoa by 4%.  It was concluded that combined zinc sulfate and folic acid treatment has a positive effect on sperm morphology,sperm motility and testosterone metabolism.

L-carnitine. L-carnitine is amino-acid that supports sperm metabolism and provides antioxidative activity. It has been shown that infertile male patients who underwent L-carnitine therapy 2 g/day for 2 months have improvement for sperm concentration and total and forward sperm motility. The increase in forward sperm motility was more significant in those patients with lower initial values, i.e. less than 5million of sperm/ejaculate of forward motile or less than 2 million of sperm/ml of forward motile. Based on a controlled study of efficacy, L-carnitine therapy was effective in increasing semen quality, especially in groups with lower baseline levels.

Arginine. Arginine is an amino acid the body produces from the digestion of protein. It is found in high amounts in the head of the sperm. It has been shown that arginine helps to increase sperm counts and motility. In high doses, arginine is also a potent dilator of arteries, leading to better erections. Food sources of arginine include nuts, chocolate, meat, poultry, fish and dairy.

Coenzyme Q. Your body naturally produces Coenzyme Q10. As men age, however, their ability to produce CoQ10 decreases. A study published in 2009 in the “Journal of Urology” investigated the effects of CoQ10 supplementation and sperm function in infertile men. The men were randomly assigned to receive either a 300 mg CoQ10 supplement or a placebo. The study results showed significant improvement in semen quality and semen density in the men receiving the CoQ10 supplement.

The developing of Vitamale’s formula is based on scientific results showing how antioxidants prevent oxidative damage to spermatozoaand enhance the defense mechanisms of seminal plasma which protect and nourish sperm. The base of Vitamale’s formula is the blending of key antioxidants, among these vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E. The ingredients are designed to promote healthy sperm count, sperm morphology, and sperm motility, while reducing oxidative damage from agents, free radicals, or biological interactions that causes oxidative stress. We know that overall good health can increase the chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. And besides, making sure you get the right vitamins and nutrients contributes to overall good health. Combined with a healthy lifestyle, vitamins and proper nutrition can go a long way toward making your body baby-ready.