Top 7 Supplements for Sperm Quality: Evidence-based, Vegan-Friendly

It is well-known that male infertility is one of the reasons why couples can’t conceive. There are countless studies going on regarding male infertility and till today, results have been inconclusive and there is not yet a CURE existent to treat male infertility. However, several studies have shown certain supplements can help to improve sperm quality and aid fertility chances.

Based on my clinical experience dealing with patients with fertility issues, I have provided you with my top 7 recommended supplements backed by scientific evidence. 

Disclaimer: I have always recommended patients to consume their nutrients through wholesome natural foods. Supplementation should only be advised if your diet and lifestyle don’t allow wholesome nutrients to be consumed. 

1) D-Aspartic Acid(D-AA)

Not to be confused with L-aspartic acid, D-AA is usually present in testes and sperm cells. It has been found that infertile men have lower levels of D-AA[1].

Studies have also shown that by supplementing infertile men with D-AA, testosterone levels increased up to 60%. Sperm quality count and motility have also been increased by 60-100%. Number of pregnancies have also increased with their partners[2].

Another study shown that just by taking 3 gramms of D-AA each day for 14 days, testosterone levels increased by 42%[3].
However, more studies is needed to investigate its long term side effects and benefits.

D-Aspartic Acid, 180 Veggie Capsules (Vegan)

 

It is quite challenging to find a vegan formula for D-aspartic acid, and this is one of the few I have found. Each capsule contain 3,000mg of D-Aspartic acid (which is 3grams), the optimum amount that is used in clinical trials that helps to improve testosterone. It contains no GMOs, vegan friendly, fillers, chemicals, preservatives, or soy. It’s gluten free, too!

2) Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps main the health of bones and teeth, as well as other important systems such as cardiac system and immune system. It also has an impact on male infertility.

A controlled study involving 65 men with low levels of testosterone found that they have Vitamin D deficiency as well. Consuming 3000IU of Vitamin D3 each day for a year increased their testosterone levels by 25% [4].

NATURELO Vitamin D  2500 IU (Vegan)

 

Most Vitamin D3 supplements are made of Lanolin, which is extracted from sheep wool. This D-3 supplement is 100% plant based and are made from wild-harvested lichen. It is non GMO, gluten free and it does NOT contain soy, dairy, corn, nuts, additives, preservatives, or coloring. 100% Vegan and Vegetarian. One serving contains 62.5 mcg (2500 IU) of Vitamin D, which is 313% of recommended daily dosage.

3)Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum(fenugreek) seeds contain soluble steroidal saponins, specifically furostanol glycosides responsible for complexing cholesterol in the cell membrane [5]. This might boost testosterone levels and help with their androgen deficiency in infertile male.

A double-blind, randomised, placebo controlled trial involving 120 healthy men aged between 43 and 70 years of age was done to examine the possible effects on male infertility using Testosfen(containing Tribulus Terrestris). It was found that this extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed was shown to be safe and effective, reducing symptoms of possible androgen deficiency, improving sexual function and increasing serum testosterone in healthy middle-aged and older men[6].

However, more studies have to be done to validate its safety and efficacy.

Organic Fenugreek Gold – 750 mg (Vegan)

 

Fenugreek Gold features certified organic, solvent-free, gently steam-sterilized fenugreek seed powder containing the full-spectrum and goodness of the whole seed encapsulated in certified organic pullulan capsules. Each capsule contain 750mg of fenugreek powder.

I have looked through the amazon products regarding fenugreek and I must say Fenugreek Gold is one of the best in the market for vegan supplements. It also has 250 reviews and most are positive, stating about its effectiveness. You can buy it at amazon here for just $20.99.

4) Tribulus Terrestris

Studies have suggested that Tribulus Terrestris can increase testosterone levels by increasing the luteinizing hormone and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was designed with men between the age of 21 and 50 years, diagnosed with oligozoospermia, receiving either Gokshura granules(Tribulus Terrestris) or placebo granules for 60 days. Results concluded that Gokshura granules significantly improved semen quality as compared to placebo granules. Although promising, more clinical studies have to be done as well[7].

Herbal Secrets Tribulus (Vegan)

Each capsule contains 630mg of Tribulus powder, which promotes a healthier reproductive system and may aid in general sexual health and libido. If you are athletic, good news for you as it may help to boost hormone levels responsible for muscle growth in men. It also have beneficial effects on the prostate and metabolism.

Herbal Secrets Tribulus is manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), among the highest standards in the world.
All their products are Third Party Tested and I do believe that they don’t compromise on quality.

5) Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac that can be used to treat male sexual dysfunction and infertility.

In a randomized placebo-controlled study, taking 675mg of Ashwagandha thrice a day, for 90 days, increased sperm counts by 167%, semen volume by 53% and sperm motility by 57%[8]. Another study was done and results supported the previous study mentioned[9].

Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root (Vegan)

Also known as Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha can be traced back more than 4,000 years. It is highly revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its value as a multipurpose herb to promote longevity, vitality & happiness.

Known for its grounding and restorative properties, Ashwagandha supports the nervous and endocrine systems and promotes a natural sleep cycle. As a nourishing tonic, Ashwagandha can help the body adapt to stressful conditions.

When the body is stressed, the immune and nervous systems can be affected, leaving a person depleted. Adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha help nourish and restore optimal nervous and immune system health by supporting normal mood, energy levels and overall immune function. Gaia Herbs uses Ashwagandha root with guaranteed levels of active withanolides( which is a group of at least 300 naturally occurring steroids built on an ergostane skeleton ).

Gaia Ashwagandha Root Liquid Phyto-Caps offer the power of a concentrated liquid extract in the convenience of a fast-dissolving capsule (Disintegrates within 10-12 minutes of ingestion). The liquid extract also allows for easy absorption in the body and is super-concentrated.

Each capsule contains the equivalent of 2,700 mg dry ashwagandha herb.

6) Maca Root

Maca was once touted worldwide as an alimentary supplement to enhance fertility and restore hormonal balance.

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot trial involving 20 volunteers aged 20–40 years was supplied with either maca or placebo (1.75 g/day) for 12 weeks. Results showed that maca increased sperm counts and motility better than placebo, with no improvement in hormonal levels though. Results have been peer-reviewed, but authors noted that more research is needed before definite conclusions can be made[10].

Red Maca Capsules (Vegan)

Each vegan capsule contains 100% freshly harvested peruvian raw red maca powder. It has the highest phytonutrient content of all maca species and it is traditionally used for female fertility, hormonal balance, energy boosting, bone health and male prostate care. Capsules are free of fillers, flow agents and chemicals of any kind.

The Maca Team’s red maca capsules contain 100% Red Maca root powder traditionally grown and harvested on an organic farming co-op in a remote pristine part of the Peruvian Andes. Red Maca is especially recommended for male prostate, female fertility and hormone balance and for both men and women to naturally boost vitality.

7) Zinc

Zinc is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mineral that plays a vital role in prostate health, immune system support, energy increase, hormone balancing and cardiovascular health.

Poor Zinc nutrition is well known to cause low quality of sperm and idiopathic male infertility[11].

The effects of zinc therapy on plasma testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and sperm count were observed in 37 patients with idiopathic infertility of more than five years duration.

It was found that T and DHT rose significantly after oral administration of zinc, as did the sperm count. Nine wives became pregnant, six within 3 months and three within 2 months of a second trial[12].

Raw Organic Whole Food Best Zinc (Vegan)

Zinc is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mineral that plays a vital role in prostate health, immune system support, energy increase, hormone balancing, cardiovascular health and protein synthesis.

Each capsule contains 30mg raw whole food Zinc (200% DV) and Vitamin C (100% DV) for higher potency and maximum absorption.

What do I mean by raw whole food? Most zinc supplements are synthetically made, which means they are man-made from the lab. This supplement is a combination of zinc derived from real whole foods, with an organic fruit blend, organic vegetable blend, and organic whole food vitamin C.

A look at the ingredients below will reveal its sources:
Organic Fruit and Vegetable Blend: Organic Alfalfa Juice, Organic Barley Grass, Organic Oat Grass, Organic Wheatgrass, Organic Chlorella, Organic Spirulina, Organic Broccoli, Organic Cabbage, Organic Kale, Organic Parsley, Organic Sea Kelp, Organic Broccoli Sprout, Organic Dandelion, Organic Dulse, Organic Pomegranate, Organic Acai, Organic Acerola Cherry Extract, Organic Black Currant, Organic Blackberry, Organic Blueberry Extract, Organic Cranberry, Organic Grape, Organic Goji Berry, Organic Maqui Berry and Organic Raspberry

Bottom Line

Diagnosis on sperm quality has to be made first before starting with the above supplements. More is not necessary good, and you have to consult your doctor if you are taking these supplements.

References
[1] D’Aniello G, Ronsini S, Guida F, Spinelli P, D’Aniello A.Occurrence of D-aspartic acid in human seminal plasma and spermatozoa: possible role in reproduction. Fertil Steril. 2005 Nov;84(5):1444-9.

[2] Gemma D’Aniello, Salvatore Ronsini, Tiziana Notari, Natascia Grieco. D-Aspartate, a Key Element for the Improvement of Sperm Quality. ASM Vol.2 No.4, October 2012

[3] Topo E, Soricelli A, D’Aniello A, Ronsini S, D’Aniello G. The role and molecular mechanism of D-aspartic acid in the release and synthesis of LH and testosterone in humans and rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2009 Oct 27;7:120. doi: 10.1186/1477-7827-7-120.

[4] Pilz S, Frisch S, Koertke H, Kuhn J, Dreier J, Obermayer-Pietsch B, Wehr E, Zittermann A. Effect of vitamin D supplementation on testosterone levels in men. Horm Metab Res. 2011 Mar;43(3):223-5. doi: 10.1055/s-0030-1269854. Epub 2010 Dec 10.

[5] Price KR, Johnson IT, Fenwick GR. The chemistry and biological significance of saponins in foods and feedingstuffs. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 1987;26:27–135. 

[6] Amanda Rao, Elizabeth Steels, Warrick J. Inder, Suzanne Abraham & Luis Vitetta (2016): Testofen, a specialised Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract reduces agerelated symptoms of androgen decrease, increases testosterone levels and improves sexual function in healthy aging males in a double-blind randomised clinical study, The Aging Male, DOI: 10.3109/13685538.2015.1135323 

[7] Sellandi TM, Thakar AB, Baghel MS.Clinical study of Tribulus terrestris Linn. in Oligozoospermia: A double blind study.Ayu. 2012 Jul;33(3):356-64. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.108822.

[8] Ambiye, V. R., Langade, D., Dongre, S., Aptikar, P., Kulkarni, M., & Dongre, A. (2013). Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–6.doi:10.1155/2013/571420 

[9] Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S. R., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1). doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0104-9  

[10] Shin, B.-C., Lee, M. S., Yang, E. J., Lim, H.-S., & Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 10(1). doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-44  

[11] Colagar AH, Marzony ET, Chaichi MJ. Zinc levels in seminal plasma are associated with sperm quality in fertile and infertile men. Nutr Res. 2009;29(2):82–8 

[12] Netter A, Hartoma R, Nahoul K. Effect of zinc administration on plasma testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and sperm count. Arch Androl. 1981 Aug;7(1):69-73.