Here at Mama Lounge we see many fertility patients, most of them female, and when asked we find most of their partners are NOT taking a prenatal vitamin. Not surprisingly, the latest research is encouraging men to do just that. Supplementation, ideally the 4 months prior to conception, improves semen quality, decreases toxicity, and overall boosts the genetic fitness of the child. The following are three of the many reasons men should take vitamins to build healthy sperm before conception.
1.
In our San Francisco fertility clinic we diligently prep women months before conception with any vitamins and nutrients that come up deficient in lab tests. The process of improving egg quality takes at least 90 days and we frequently recommend a visit with the male partner so he can also make good use of this time since production of new sperm takes about 100 days. Half of the genetic material that combines to create an embryo comes from the male, and ALL vitamins and minerals are required at one time or another in the development of healthy sperm. A deficiency in any one vitamin can increase chances of miscarriage and lead to birth defects. For this reason supplementation is recommended for 4 months prior to conception for females AND males.
2.
Sperm are much smaller than eggs, and therefore are more vulnerable to nutrient deficiencies and toxicity. Endocrine disrupting toxins are everywhere in our environment, from air pollution, to pesticides and medications, to radiation from cell phones and laptops. Many toxins and radiation are associated with causing DNA damage in sperm. Antioxidants are crucial in helping the body defend against oxidative stress to cells that causes DNA damage. Vitamin C and CoQ10 are examples that have been linked to improved sperm parameters and a decreased risk of birth defects. Also deficiency of the following- zinc, selenium, CoQ10 and lipoic acid- are associated with abnormal sperm and miscarriage.
3.
A recent mouse study by Lambrot et al. furthered our understanding of the effects of folate deficiency in the father. Mice were fed a Folate Deficient (FD) or Folate Sufficient (FS) diet, and were assessed for birth defects. The folate deficiency group was associated with an increase in DNA damage in spermatocytes. Mice fed with a folate deficient diet were less fertile (52% vs. 85%) and experienced greater loss through miscarriage than mice fathered by mice with a folate sufficient diet. Also in the folate deficient mice, a greater amount of anatomical abnormalities occurred (27% vs. 3%) which included craniofacial, hydrocephalus, limb, and muscle/skeletal defects. Another study investigating the effect of a paternal folate-deficient diet in mice found a relationship with decreased placental weight, placental folate and an increased expression of the folate transporter folate receptor.
Anyone experiencing fertility problems should consider the benefits of correcting and improving semen quality through supplementation right away. We frequently see couples willing to spend large amounts of money on fertility procedures without doing the preparation ahead of time to give their sperm and egg the best opportunity for success. Treatments like acupuncture and massage, in addition to simply correcting nutrient deficiencies can make vast improvements in sperm health. Call Mama Lounge San Francisco today for more information on lab testing and preparing for a healthy conception.
*photo credit to imagerymagestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
