In the 12 month study, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology were improved by 113.7%, 104.8%, and 78.9% respectively. There was an overall pregnancy rate of 34.1% within the first 8 months.
A 2014 review of clinic trials on oral antioxidants used for male fertility listed CoQ10 as the antioxidant most often proved to be effective in every category of sperm health.
A Combination Approach
One company that has capitalized on the antioxidant research into male infertility is Fairhaven Health. This small, family-owned company based out of Washington State, was founded in the early 2000s in an attempt to bring natural alternatives to couples with fertility issues.
Suzanne Munson, Director of Product Development at Fairhaven Health, told Holistic Primary Care that the company emerged out of a partnership she created with Dr. Amos Grunebaum, a prominent OB/GYN and fertility expert from New York, who helped them develop their FertilAid supplement.
The Fairhaven team reviewed numerous supplement studies prior to formulation of this product, which includes a “motility-enhancing dose” of CoQ10. The FertilAid formula also includes Maca (Lepidium meyenii), a root indigenous to the Andes, which has been shown to enhance sperm count, and carnitine for improving sperm quality.
In 2009, Fairhaven helped to fund a small pilot study of their product. Fourteen infertile men participated in a 90-day randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. FertilAid boosted the number of healthy sperm significantly in the 8 men that took it compared with those in the placebo group (Clifton GD & Ellington JE, J Androl. 2009; Annual Proceeding (S25): 41). While further studies are needed on a larger scale to verify these results, the initial findings are promising.
FertilAid includes a modest 15 mg of CoQ10. This is considerably lower than the 200 to 300 mg typically given in the male infertility studies. However, FertilAid also includes a high dose of vitamin B6 which helps the body to synthesize CoQ10 on its own.
A combination of antioxidants seems to work better to enhance fertilizing capability than any antioxidant alone (Lanzafame FM, et al., Reprod BioMed Online. 2009; 19 (5): 638-659). This is because antioxidants work together to neutralize ROS and reduce the free radical burden. They form a network with the ability to recycle one another and thus extend their lifespan and capacity.
The FertilAid product includes other ingredients shown to be effective for enhancing sperm parameters including Vitamins C and E and the minerals selenium and zinc.
Fairhaven Health has separate CountBoost and MotilityBoost products that are formulated to work with the FertilAid supplement.
According to Ms. Munson, there are other things men can do to promote fertility. She recommends avoiding smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs as these things all increase oxidative stress and reduce sperm count and quality.
Moderate exercise is important, but excessive exercise can be detrimental. Eating a clean diet filled with fruits and vegetables (high in antioxidants) is important, as is maintaining a healthy weight (obesity has been linked to infertility). Finally, prevent overheating of the genitals by avoiding saunas, hot tubs, and other situations with extreme temperatures.
There is even a company called Snowballs (we kid you not) that makes underwear with an ice pack to prevent overheating.
Keep in mind that fertility is a reflection of overall health. Lifestyle choices are integral to optimal fertility. Eating well, drinking enough fluid, getting adequate sleep, exercising in moderation, and minimizing stress are all part of an integrative plan to promote wellness, decrease oxidation, and increase the potential for conception.
As a stand-alone supplement, CoQ10 is one of the best. In combination with other antioxidants, it is even better. Given the low risk and high benefit potential of using antioxidants, it makes sense to include them as part of a comprehensive strategy toward improving male fertility.
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Kelly Kremnitzer is a clinical nutritionist, educator, and wellness coach with a passion for clean, whole foods and a purpose filled existence. She believes in the power of superior nourishment to heal the body and create a high quality life.
