Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 14:00
Naturopathic medicine can treat male infertility, according to an article in Fertili-Talk blog Jan. 25, 2010 by Sara Wright.
Naturopathic medicine focuses on improving the quality, quantity and overall health of the male sperm.
According to the article, male infertility accounts for about 40 percent of the 2 million infertile couples in the United States.
The article suggests that male sperm count has dropped in the United States probably because of environmental exposures to toxic materials and lifestyle habits such as poor diet.In addition to eating a well-balanced diet, the article suggests dietary supplements that can improve the production of healthy sperm.
The recommended supplements include:
- Arginine, which is needed to produce sperm. Recommended 4 grams daily (if sperm count below 10 million per ml, the article says the supplement will likely not be helpful).
- Coenzyme Q10 can also increase sperm count and its ability to move toward the egg. Recommended 10 milligrams daily.
- Flaxseed Oil is a good source of fatty acids. Recommended 1 tablespoon daily.
- L-carnitine is needed for sperm function. The article recommends 3-4 grams daily.
- Selenium also is recommended to improve the sperms ability to move toward the egg. Recommended 200 micrograms daily.
- Vitamin B12 deficiencies cause lower sperm count and sperm mobility in men. Men with this deficiency should take 1000 mcg daily. According to the article, vitamin B12 may also help men with a sperm count of less than 20 million per milliliter or a motility rate of less than 50 percent.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant and improves sperm’s ability to impregnate, writes the author. Four hundred international units 2 times daily are recommended.
- Zinc helps keep the male reproductive system and sperm production healthy. Thirty milligrams twice daily are recommended.
- Multivitamins are high in needed vitamins and minerals and good for overall health. One a day is recommended.
- Vitamin C is also recommended to improve overall health. Recommended 500 milligrams twice a day.
"Even if there is no issue with male infertility, if a couple is trying to conceive, any of these naturopathic and lifestyle choices would be tremendously beneficial," said the article.
