Fertility
Antioxidants for male fertility and wellbeing – 5 things you didn’t know
Emma Harpham in partnership with Ross J Barr | 16 Sep 2024
One popular wellbeing trend right now that actually has science to back it up? Antioxidants.
Beyond helping to fight disease and slowing the aging process, the impact of antioxidants on fertility has also been researched – and the results so far look really positive across the board.
There’s a fair amount out there on female fertility. But what about antioxidants for male fertility, and men’s wellbeing in general?
We’re partnering with London celeb-fave registered acupuncturist and fertility wellness expert Ross Barr, to cover off some of the benefits you might not have heard of.
With over a decade of treating infertility, Ross Barr’s range of all-natural, clean range of supplements and patches is designed to support men and women’s fertility as well as health and wellness goals, beyond the acupuncture treatment rooms.
Before you dive in – Check out the Ross Barr Male Fertility Support Pack. It’s loaded with key antioxidants, plus a host of other helpful ingredients for him.
Things you might not know about antioxidants for male fertility
1. There’s a link between oxidative stress and sperm health
Oxidative stress is when the free radicals in our bodies reach very high levels. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body, and we can all experience exposure to them through exercising or experiencing inflammation. But other factors, including stress, are thought to contribute to excessively high levels.
And, crucially, research suggests that oxidative stress could be relevant in as many as 30-80% of infertility cases.
You might not have heard, though, that oxidative stress has the potential to be really damaging for male fertility in particular. When it comes to oxidative stress and sperm, studies tell us that oxidative stress has a harmful effect, and can impact several key sperm health parameters, including quality and quantity.
2. Antioxidants have the potential to reverse sperm DNA damage
Stay with us. DNA integrity is really important for successful conception, as well as healthy development in early pregnancy.
The genetic material in sperm cells can become damaged from oxidative stress, and some studies associate damaged sperm DNA with poor pregnancy outcomes, like implantation failure and miscarriage.
The good news? Recent studies strongly suggest that antioxidants can protect, and even repair the genetic material in sperm cells, reversing oxidative damage.
3. Antioxidants have the potential to improve IVF outcomes
Antioxidants have even been found to enhance the effectiveness of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures, like IVF and ICSI.
And this makes a lot of sense – better sperm motility, count, and DNA integrity all increase the chances of successful fertilisation and embryo development.
So if you’re having IVF, incorporating antioxidants into your game plan for you and your male partner, through food or supplements, could potentially boost the success rate of treatment.
4. Lifestyle factors can impact the effectiveness of antioxidants for sperm health
The impact of antioxidants, and supplementation in general, on male fertility can be significantly influenced by lifestyle factors – something which is often overlooked.
Remember the free radicals we referenced above? Factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, and poor diet can cause levels of these free radicals to increase, and deplete the body’s antioxidant levels, counteracting their benefits.
In short – maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential to maximize the positive effects of antioxidants for male fertility.
5. Certain antioxidants can provide targeted support for different sperm health parameters
When it comes to male fertility, did you know that not all antioxidants are considered equal? Specific antioxidants do play more significant roles here.
Whilst research suggests most antioxidants do help combat oxidative stress, certain key antioxidant nutrients, for example, Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin C, are particularly effective in enhancing sperm motility and count.
Similarly, evidence shows that taking supplements with these particular antioxidant combos can help improve male fertility. More on this below!
What are the best antioxidants for male fertility?
When picking the best antioxidants for male fertility, our top tip is to get selective. Here are some of the top key players, at a glance.
- Coenzyme Q10 – Starting off strong, Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10, or just CoQ10) is found in the mitochondria of almost every cell in our bodies. It has protective antioxidant properties, and studies have found that it can have a profound effect on sperm motility.
- Vitamin C – As well as having has protective antioxidant properties, supplementing with Vitamin C has also been shown to increase sperm count, motility, and morphology.
- Vitamin E – Also a protective antioxidant, Vitamin E can improve sperm motility, and may help improve partner pregnancy rate.
- Zinc – This little powerhouse antioxidant nutrient is essential for sperm formation. It may also lift testosterone levels, and improve sperm count and motility.
- Selenium – A key mineral for male fertility, it also functions as an antioxidant, supporting sperm motility and protecting against damage from free radicals.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but these antioxidants are brilliant at protecting your body’s cells from oxidative stress and can work together to improve sperm function in men. Make sure they’re on the label if you’re looking for a male fertility supplement.
What are the benefits of antioxidants for men’s health in general?
Looking beyond sperm health, studies indicate that reducing oxidative stress also boosts testosterone production. Testosterone is crucial for men – as well as helping boost fertility and ensure a healthy sex drive, this hormone also supports bone health, physical development, strength and muscle mass, and mood.
All great boxes to check, whether you’re actively trying to conceive, or just wanting to support your wellbeing.
It is also thought that antioxidants can help the liver, our main detox organ, to function and process smoothly. Excess oestrogen in men can affect fertility, mood, and libido, and supporting liver function is crucial for processing and eliminating excess oestrogen from their system.
So, guys, if you’re looking into increasing your antioxidant intake, you’re not just taking steps towards better fertility, but also promoting your overall health and wellbeing, too.
Supplementing with antioxidants for sperm health (and conception)
For clean, natural antioxidants for sperm health, plus extra fertility and wellbeing support in easy supplement form, make the Ross Barr Sperm & Conception Support Pack your starting point.
The pack gives you the nutrients you need if you’re trying to conceive, supporting good sperm quality and preparation for conception, inlcuding:
- The Male Fertility Formula – designed to encourage and support preparation for pregnancy and provide comprehensive baseline nutritional support for male health and sexual performance.
- The Antioxidant/Q10 Formula – particularly recommended for anyone over the age of 34 trying to conceive for all the great antioxidant support.
- The DHA/EPA Formula – a very high-quality fish oil supplement designed to be taken whilst trying to conceive, to support both mother and baby in the development of the immune system, the brain, bones and general long-term health.
With all nutrients included in their food state for superior bioavailability, and no toxicity or side effects, you can be sure you’re covering all bases.
Want to learn more? Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of Ross Barr’s nutritional therapists from studio nourish. Chat through your goals, and better understand your supplementation needs, for an even smoother fertility journey.
