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Did you know that male fertility issues are responsible for approximately half of all cases of infertility? The good news is that often, sperm health can be improved with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthier diet, and supplement intake. Men’s prenatal supplements can also “fill in the gaps” to help support healthy sperm production, hormone health, and overall male fertility.
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, if you have received abnormal semen analysis results, or if you are going through fertility treatment such as IUI or IVF, it might be time to consider taking a male fertility supplement. But what are some of the best men’s prenatal vitamins out there, and how can they help improve sperm health and fertility?
In this article, we’ll review what to look for (and what to look out for) when seeking your best male fertility supplement and guide you to the best option to grow your family, found in Rescripted’s Marketplace.
5 ingredients to look for in a male fertility supplement:
1. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants protect the body’s cells against free radicals, which if left unchecked, can cause damage to our cells. This damage is known as “oxidative stress,” and can be detrimental to sperm health.
Oxidative stress can affect sperm production, lowering sperm count, motility (how many sperm are swimming properly), morphology (how many sperm are the proper size and shape), and genetic health (as measured by sperm DNA fragmentation). It is also a major contributor to male fertility issues.
Antioxidants such as CoQ10 neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress damage. Several studies have shown that taking 100–300 mg of CoQ10 daily for 3–6 months is associated with healthier sperm production as well as a measurable increase in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. CoQ10 can also benefit heart health, brain health, and overall wellness.
CoQ10 is often found as a standalone supplement but occasionally is part of a comprehensive men’s fertility supplement, like needed's Men's Multi as well.
2. Vitamin C
Another powerful antioxidant, studies show that vitamin C supplementation is associated with a significant increase—up to 200%—in sperm count, motility, and morphology. It may also protect sperm from oxidative stress damage.
3. Vitamin D
Because we get most of our vitamin D from sun exposure, much of the United States is deficient. When it comes to male fertility, Vitamin D supplementation is associated with improved sperm motility and capacitation (the changes a sperm undergoes before fertilizing an egg), higher testosterone, improved sexual function, and increased pregnancy rates. Vitamin D also has many other health benefits and supports immune function, heart health, and the absorption of calcium for bone health.
4. Vitamin E
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that can decrease oxidative stress and may have a protective effect on sperm, especially in combination with vitamin C, selenium, and CoQ10. Research shows these antioxidants are associated with improved sperm genetic health and quality. Vitamin E supplementation also supports immune function, skin health, and full-body wellness.
5. Folate
Folate, a B vitamin, is used in the production and development of sperm. There is strong scientific evidence that suggests boosting folate levels increases sperm concentration and may improve semen quality overall, especially in combination with selenium, zinc, and vitamin E.
We recommend looking for 5-MTHF or L-methylfolate, which is the active form of folate and is the most bioavailable (meaning you can absorb the highest percentage of the vitamin). 5-MTHF has been shown to increase blood folate levels more efficiently than folic acid. Folate also supports heart health and healthy cell growth and function.
Other important supplements to consider:
Pre/Probiotic
A strong and healthy microbiome is crucial for fertility, sperm health, and overall wellness, so in addition to CoQ10 and a men’s prenatal vitamin, you might want to consider adding a Pre/Probiotic to your supplement routine. What you eat is the number one determiner of microbiome health, but it can be difficult to get enough of certain key strains from food.
Needed’s tailored Pre/Probiotic+ provides the targeted strains and antioxidant-rich botanicals you need to achieve hormone balance, improved sperm health, immune function, optimize digestion, and support healthy blood sugar.
A Final Note
Men are 50% of the fertility equation, which is why male fertility should be an equal part of the prenatal conversation. Just like women make lifestyle changes and take prenatal vitamins during the preconception period, men can do their part to maintain a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and “fill in the gaps” with the proper supplements —from CoQ10 to a comprehensive fertility supplement to a Pre/Probiotic to Omega 3 support—to ensure optimal sperm health and improved fertility on their family-building journey.
It takes two to tango, and you’re in this together. You’ve got this!
To find the complete list of prenatal fertility supplements we recommend, check out the Rescripted Marketplace.