The 7 Best Supplements to Support Male Fertility, According to a Dietitian

When it comes to infertility, it really takes two people to tango. In about 20% of cases of infertility, the cause may be: male infertility It is responsible for an additional 30-40% of infertility cases. Fertility assessments can help address male infertility, and gaining insight into sperm shape and movement (morphology and motility) and total sperm count can give clues as to which areas can be targeted for fertility improvement.

A balanced and varied diet is an important starting point for supporting male fertility, but Supplemental vitamins, minerals, and nutrients further support male fertility and overall health.. “There are no hard and fast rules to determine whether a man needs a fertility supplement. If a man has been diagnosed with some kind of disease that can negatively impact his ability to conceive, such as low sperm count or reduced sperm motility, supplements may provide some benefit,” says author Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LDN, CLEC, CPT. Increase male fertility.

If you may benefit from taking one or several fertility supplements, your health care provider (such as a reproductive endocrinologist or fertility nutritionist) can give you further advice. We selected these male fertility supplements because they contain nutrients proven to positively impact male fertility parameters and the purity of the ingredients has been independently verified.

Types of fertility supplements for men

These are the fertility supplements with the most research, so our list focuses on these options.

• multivitamin: Multivitamins, also known as male prenatals, serve as a way to fill in nutritional deficiencies in the diet and provide nutrients involved in improving semen quality.
• fish oil or omega 3: Omega-3 is the main fat in fish oil. They may play a role in sperm concentration, total sperm count, and to a lesser extent sperm motility.
• Acetyl-L-carnitine: This supplement may protect sperm from oxidative damage and aid sperm motility.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant, helps protect sperm cells from damage, and may play a role in improving semen quality.
• ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is a plant that is considered an adaptogen and may have benefits for stress and anxiety. Some studies suggest it may also help improve sperm quality.

Are fertility supplements for men effective?

Mr. Manaker and Mr. Zohr agree that: Fertility supplements may take 2-3 months or more to take effect and/or dietary and lifestyle changes. Ideally, men should start taking fertility supplements, especially multivitamins. 2 to 3 months before you want to become pregnant Continue until you succeed.

please remember Supplements are not a cure for male infertility. Infertility is multifaceted and varies from person to person. The purpose of these supplements is fill in the gaps in your diet or correct deficiencies associated with male infertility.

Reason for recommendation

we, Natalist Male Prenatal Packet Contains only the ingredients shown in Rigorous scientific research to influence male fertility. (Lauren Manaker, whom we interviewed, is a co-developer of this product, along with a board-certified urologist and physician who specializes in male fertility. However, we independently selected this product because of its research-backed ingredients.)

Each packet contains seven ingredients, divided into four easy-to-take capsules. Ingredients include Coenzyme Q10, Omega-3 DHA, Lycopene, Selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E. These specific nutrients are provided in sufficient but not unnecessarily high amounts. Shown to help with infertility and shown Helps protect sperm from oxidative damage and improve semen quality.

Natalist’s website features research supporting each ingredient in this male fertility supplement. You may be surprised to find that Natalist packaging does not contain zinc or folic acid, but this is intentional. After a thorough review of research, we did not find that these two nutrients significantly improved birth rates or semen quality.

This high quality capsule is independently verified. Each batch comes with a certificate of analysis for product integrity and quality. The natalist Transparent about ingredientsthese capsules are vegan, gluten-free, and 100% plastic-neutral.

But please be careful

The daily intake is 4 capsules.

Product details:

• shape: capsule
• Key nutrients: Coenzyme Q10, lycopene, DHA
• dose: 4 capsules per day
• Dietary considerations: vegan, gluten free
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

we love it Nature Made Multi + Omega 3 Gummies for Hi Rigorously tested for purity, USP certified yet affordable. Fertility treatments like IUI and IVF can be expensive, so it makes sense that you don’t want to pay a lot of money for supplements. This men’s multivitamin is the perfect budget-friendly option that prioritizes quality and your wallet. They’re gummy, easy to swallow, and come in strawberry, lemon, and orange flavors.

Multi + Omega 3 Gummies for Him all kinds of vitamins and mineralsthis is a big boost if your diet doesn’t always include a lot of foods like fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, this gummy Added a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Manakar says most people don’t eat the recommended amount of fish each week, and the omega-3s found in fish may support certain fertility parameters.

But please be careful

However, the two serving sizes of gummies include: 4 grams of additional sugar (Materials from glucose syrup and sugar) So if you’re closely monitoring your sugar intake, you may want to consider this.

Product details:

• shape: Gummy
• Key nutrients: Vitamin D, vitamin B12, DHA
• dose: 2 gummies daily
• Dietary considerations: gluten free
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

Research shows that diet can affect male fertility, and it can be difficult to always prioritize a balanced diet. In this case, a multivitamin may be helpful to support male fertility.

Needed has become one of our favorite supplement brands for all things pregnancy and pregnancy-related, and for good reason. Their products are scientifically formulated and use extremely high quality ingredients. Men’s multivitamins you need It’s not an exception, especially since I use it. Most easily absorbed ingredients, including methylated B vitamins and well-tolerated B vitamins Absorbable form of magnesium.

Dr. Temeka Zore, director of fertility preservation at Spring Fertility in San Francisco, tells her patients that it can take up to three months to see the effects of lifestyle changes, because it takes a man about 90 days to produce new sperm. This timing consideration also applies to supplements. Therefore, it is a good idea for men to start taking this vitamin during the early stages of trying to conceive.

This multi is also a great supplement to take by fathers-to-be who aren’t planning on getting pregnant anytime soon, as it provides a full range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for all adult ages. Each batch is independently verified Regarding ingredient purity, pesticides, heavy metals, microorganisms, allergens, and other contaminants.

But please be careful

Please note this The dosage of the supplement is 4 capsules and can more expensive It’s better than other commercial multivitamins, but we feel the quality is worth it. To complete your fertility supplement bundle, we recommend pairing this multi with Men’s Omega 3+ and Coenzyme Q10 from Needed (or another brand).

Product details:

• shape: capsule
• Key nutrients: Vitamin D, choline, B vitamins
• dose: 4 capsules per day
• Dietary considerations: vegetarian, gluten free
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

Fish and healthy vegetable oils are the most common sources of omega-3s, but most people don’t eat the recommended two to three servings of fish per week. Omega-3 can improve sperm concentration, total sperm count, and to a lesser extent sperm motility.

Life Extension Super Omega 3 Plus It’s more than just an omega-3 supplement. They understand the nutritional benefits of the Mediterranean diet as a whole. This product not only contains omegas (750 mg EPA and 510 mg DHA), but also other antioxidant compounds such as krill oil, olive polyphenols, sesame lignans, and astaxanthin. We love that this supplement has been independently verified, passed rigorous heavy metal testing, is non-GMO, gluten-free, and IFOS (International Fish Oil Standard) approved. Passed Omega-3 quality, safety and purity tests.

But please be careful

Due to the highly concentrated dosage, the capsule size is quite large and may be difficult for some people to swallow. Also, please remember Men taking blood-thinning medications or men with bleeding disorders should consult a health care professional before taking omega-3 supplements.

Product details:

• shape: soft gel
• Key nutrients: DHA, EPA, olive polyphenols
• dose: 2 softgels per day or 2 times per day
• Dietary considerations: gluten free
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

we love it Jarrow Acetyl-L-Carnitine Vegan, independently verified, non-GMO, USDA organic, and allergen-free supplement. Comes in an easy-to-swallow single capsule, Acetyl-L-carnitine 500mg.

Carnitine is a compound that occurs naturally in mammals and can be obtained from red meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products. Acetyl-L-carnitine is a powerful antioxidantand research shows that it is especially possible Protects sperm mitochondria (“energy source”) from oxidative stress and damage. Acetyl-L-carnitine is also Affects sperm motility and vitality;In fact, men with abnormal semen parameters are more likely to be found to have low carnitine levels.

But please be careful

Further research is needed to determine which dose of acetyl-L-carnitine is most beneficial for semen and male fertility. Your health care professional can help determine the best dosage for your needs. Additionally, consider that acetyl-L-carnitine is likely not the only supplement you need to improve your fertility. This can be taken in addition to a multivitamin or another standalone supplement.

Product details:

• shape: capsule
• Key nutrients: Acetyl L-carnitine hydrochloride
• dose: 1 capsule per day
• Dietary considerations: gluten free, vegan
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

Garden of Life always prioritizes supplements made from natural foods Contains ingredients with verified sources as USDA Organic. We like that they adhere to rigorous independent verification and emphasize sustainability in their production process.

Garden of Life Raw CoQ10 Packaged based on raw chia seed oil, this unique lipid delivery system allows Coenzyme Q10 to be absorbed at a higher rate. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Acts as an antioxidant It is a nutrient that has been shown to benefit male fertility by increasing semen quality. Dr. Manaker says, “Coenzyme Q10 supplementation has the following effects: Good results when it comes to sperm health. More data is needed to confirm this association, but anecdotally, many couples claim that the addition of this supplement has helped them on their fertility journey. ”

More research is needed to determine the optimal CoQ10 dose to support male fertility, but many studies use 200 mg, so we’re grateful that Garden of Life offers this amount. This product is Certified non-GMO, kosher, and vegan.

But please be careful

Contains Raw organic fruit and vegetable blend and raw probiotic blend. If your diet lacks high-fiber foods or if you experience gastrointestinal upset, you may find these additional blends beneficial. Also, keep in mind that this is a standalone product and CoQ10 may be just one of the supplements that help with male fertility. Fertility supplement plans may need to be combined with multivitamins and other nutrients.

Product details:

• shape: capsule
• Key nutrients: CoQ-10, chia seed oil, and raw probiotic blend
• dose: 1 capsule
• Dietary considerations: vegan, kosher
• Independently Verified: yes

Reason for recommendation

Fulwell Fertility Booster This will strengthen your diet and lifestyle as you embark on your fertility journey. we like it Developed by a functional nutritionist Not everyone understands that diet alone cannot provide enough nutrients for fertility and that life stressors can affect health and can be addressed with supplements.

This fertility supplement can be used by both men and women and contains CoQ10, alpha-lipoic acid, and n-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC), all of which can help. Helps produce healthy sperm and protects against oxidative damage.. This product is also unique in that it contains ashwagandha, an adaptogen. Ashwagandha is a root plant. Helps the body adapt and cope with life’s physical and mental stressors. When it comes to fertility, its antioxidant properties help improve sperm quality.

FullWell Fertility Booster should be taken 3 to 6 months before trying to conceive, undergoing fertility treatment, or freezing sperm. it is independently verifiedgluten-free and free of all major allergens.

But please be careful

ashwagandha there may be some side effects. The most common symptoms are an upset stomach, loose stools, nausea, and drowsiness. This supplement doesn’t contain many other vitamins and minerals, so you may want to consider combining it with a multivitamin.

Product details:

• shape: capsule
• Key nutrients: Ashwagandha, Coenzyme Q10 phytosome, n-acetylcysteine
• dose: 2 capsules
• Dietary considerations: vegan, gluten free
• Independently Verified: yes

Should men take fertility supplements or prenatal and postnatal supplements?

It is important to remember that supplements are just that: supplements or additions to a solid foundation of health. Eating a balanced diet, minimizing alcohol intake, not smoking, and being physically active can improve male fertility parameters and are the factors most likely to influence male infertility.

important to remember Infertility is complex, and certain people may or may not benefit from supplements.. Additionally, if semen analysis reveals a specific problem, targeted supplements may offer specific benefits over other types of supplements.

Zohr says that’s likely because there are a variety of issues that can affect sperm production, function and transport. No supplement can address all male fertility issues. Male fertility supplements can be beneficial for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• year. Sperm quality is not as affected by age as the quality of a woman’s eggs, but Men over 40 years old You are more likely to have difficulty getting pregnant.
• Poor eating habits. A diet high in processed red meat, refined grains, sugary drinks, and alcohol can negatively impact semen quality and fertility. Eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, and poultry provides omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can improve semen parameters.
• Lifestyle factors. Inability to cope with stress and poor sleep habits can affect a man’s health and sperm quality over time. Manakar says managing stress and prioritizing good quality and adequate sleep (7 to 8 hours each night) may help improve fertility.
• physiological disorder. There are a variety of conditions that directly affect male physiology and interfere with semen quality and fertility. Such disorders may be trauma to the testes, varicocele, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland disorders.
• environment related factors. Men who work in fields where they are exposed to radiation, environmental toxins (pesticides, lead, mercury, cadmium), or high temperatures are at increased risk of infertility.
• medicine. Zohr suggests that testosterone (in the form of anabolic steroids) can have a negative impact on sperm production because it lowers the amount of testosterone your body produces. Medications that can affect sperm include hair loss medications and some antidepressants, so it’s always important to check with your healthcare provider about these.

If you eat a varied diet, don’t smoke, don’t consume excessive alcohol, limit environmental toxins, and are otherwise healthy and free of chronic diseases, you may not need to take targeted fertility supplements. However, common men’s multivitamins or “men’s prenatals” are certainly not harmful and can help fill in nutrient gaps if your diet is not optimal.

Our Supplement Review Process

We strive to share science-based supplements that you can actually take yourself and recommend to your family and friends. To find the best male fertility supplements, we consulted experts in the field of fertility and nutrition who are up to speed on the latest research and also provide practical care for people struggling with infertility.

When evaluating products, we focus on independent certification, ingredients and dosage, tolerability and ease of consumption. We also consider cost and effectiveness, as supplement prices and claimed benefits vary widely. You may also have already invested a lot of time and energy into your journey to conceive. As always, if you are considering these supplements, please seek the attention of your health care provider before taking them.

our experts

Infertility science is complex and not all supplements are beneficial. So we spoke to top experts in the field to gain more insight into supplements for male fertility.

• Lauren Mannaker MS, RDN, LDN, CLEC, CPT, Author Increase male fertility Co-creator of Natalist Male Prenatal Daily Packets
• Dr. Temeka Zoa, Director of Fertility Maintenance at Spring Fertility in San Francisco

Dosage and safety

Research is ongoing on how dietary supplements affect fertility and recommended doses of each nutrient. The truth is, there are very few evidence-based recommendations for dosage for these products..

Because many of the products we recommend contain a combination of nutrients, we have included a list of Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for men 19 years and older for some of the important fertility nutrients found in these recommended supplements.

• Vitamin C: 90mg
• Vitamin D: 15 mcg, 600 international units (IU)
• Vitamin E: 15mg
• Omega-3: There is no established RDA for omega-3, so the AI ​​(adequate intake) is instead set at 1.6 grams per day.

When looking at fertility supplements, you may notice that the amounts of some nutrients are often exceptionally higher than the percent daily value (DV). While there may be a tendency to say “more is better,” this is not always the case. Taking very high doses can actually be harmful to your health, and more research is needed to determine at what levels many of these supplements are safe or effective. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking these products.

In addition, it is important to consider whether there is a true deficiency of nutrients (this can be confirmed by doing a blood test), absorption problems (for example, associated with conditions such as irritable bowel disease), or other medical conditions. If you have one (or more) of these, it plays a role in determining the right or wrong amount of nutrients you should take in.

Ingredients and potential interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutritional facts of your supplement to know which ingredients are in it and how much of them compared to the recommended daily intake of that ingredient. Bring your supplement label to your health care provider to learn about the various ingredients in your supplement and potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements or medications you may be taking.

Some fertility supplements may contain Nutrients that interact with drugs or compete for absorption with other nutrients. Therefore, it is wise to check these products with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements. Fertility supplements may also have other herbs, probiotics, raw food ingredients, and added sugars, which may not be optimal for your specific health condition. Always talk to your health care provider about the possibility of taking these products..

shape

Fertility supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other nutritional compounds that can be found in tablet, gummy, powder, or liquid form. Supplements that contain multiple ingredients or ‘bulky’ nutrients are less likely to be available in an easy-to-consume gummy or liquid form, so this should be taken into consideration when purchasing.

who are we

Casey Seiden is a registered dietitian, nutritionist, Parents magazine writer, and certified diabetes care and education specialist based in New York City. She works at Maternal-Fetal Medicine Associates, Manhattan’s premier maternal-fetal medical practice, providing nutritional therapy and counseling to women with high-risk pregnancies. She is also the founder of Casey Seiden Nutrition, a virtual private practice specializing in non-dietary approaches to diabetes care and women’s health.