Male Infertility
Male infertility is most often due to abnormal sperm count or semen quality. Sperm are also particularly susceptible to the damaging effects of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. A hair mineral analysis for heavy metals should be performed on all men who have reduced sperm counts to rule out heavy metals as a cause. Free-radical or oxidative damage to sperm is thought to be responsible for many cases of male infertility. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, selenium, and vitamin E have been shown to be very important in protecting sperm against damage and improving male fertility. Zinc supplementation can be very helpful in achieving improved fertility, especially in men with low testosterone levels. Carnitine supplementation can lead to improvements in sperm counts and sperm motility.