Zita West’s Guide to Getting Pregnant

L-carnitine

Another amino acid – like substance, made by the body and also found in meat, L – carnitine is responsible for utilizing fat in the energy centres of the body’s cells, and is essential for the formation of lean muscle in the body. It also appears to be necessary for the normal functioning of sperm cells. In preliminary studies, giving an L – carnitine supplement for four months helped to normalize sperm motility in men with poor sperm quality. In another trial, acetylcarnitine was used, and a supplement of 4 grams a day proved useful for male infertility caused by immobile sperm. However, again, this amount is well over the RDA, and should not be taken without supervision.

DHA

So important for sperm. The semen contains high levels of DHA. Animals fed a diet lacking in DHA showed decreased levels in their sperm.

For more about eating well to increase fertility, see the Nutrition chapter.

Other Important Nutrients

These include folic acid – a nutrient just as important for men as it is for women – saw palmetto and NAC. As always, please do consult a qualified nutritionist for more information about dosages and how all these nutrients can assist fertility.

Environment and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Sperm Production

I think the way we live and our environment have definitely had an effect on the decline of sperm. Laptop computers, solvents, chemicals – such as those you may use for a hobby or as part of your work – ‘gender-bending’ environmental oestrogens, paints, pesticides, plastics, aluminium – all of these affect fertility. So, too, can natural substances such as genistein, a compound found in soya products and pulses, and various contaminants in drinking water. In addition, there are factors brought about by the trend towards increasingly sedentary occupations and lack of physical activity, which increase scrotal temperature and affect sperm production, count and motility. All in all, the risks are far greater than they were even 20 years ago.

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