The human body requires chromium as a cofactor for a variety of important enzymes, deficiencies of this trace element have been associated with reduced sperm quality.

 
Food sources: whole grain products, broccoli, green beans, grape juice, and spices

To increase the likelihood of an egg getting fertilised, sperm must have a strong forward movement and shape.

Coenzyme Q10 is of critical importance in the provision of energy for sperm cell mobility. It is a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant found in virtually all cell membranes.

Sources:Cabbage, broccoli, oysters, beef liver, soybeans.

A traditional Chinese fertility booster, Cordyceps has been prized for thousands of years as a vitality enhancer, increasing stamina, wellbeing and sexual function.

Shown in clinical studies to improve sexual drive, virility and enhance testosterone production.

Sources: Cordyceps mushrooms

Biotin is known as the energy catalyst.   Your body needs biotin to help convert nutrients into energy in the mitochondria of the cell. The name biotin is taken from the Greek word bios, which means ‘life’. 

Sources: Egg yolks, legumes, nuts, seeds, liver, avocados, broccoli.

EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate – green tea) at low doses improves measures of sperm quality, including count and motility.

Green tea may also boost fertility by reducing the formation of free radicals and preventing DNA damage to cells, including spermatozoa.

L-Arginine is a semi-essential amino acid, which has a stabilising effect on the DNA inside the sperm and plays an important role in cell division and growth.

L-Arginine benefits motile sperm and maintains male fertility health. This amino acid also helps to promote strong erections.

Sources: Seeds and nuts.  

Studies have shown that Peruvian Maca helps support sexual function and improve sperm quality, count & motility.

This hardy plant has been cultivated for over 2000 years, high in the Peruvian Andes and has a long tradition of an effective aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer.

Maca root extract works well with EGCg (green tea extract) to increase male libido, sperm count, and strength.

Manganese supplementation showed in clinical studies to have a protective effect on sperm and resulted in significantly higher values of motility.

Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, important in activating an antioxidant in the mitochondria of the cells.

Sources: whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and peanut butter are rich sources of manganese.

It was found in vivo that magnesium increases the sperm motility, while the sperm production may increase by up to 80%. 

Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division, normal psychological function as well as contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Sources: whole grains, nuts, leafy greens, and seeds.

This amino acid is necessary in many metabolic processes, including spermatogenesis.

It is associated with improving many sperm health parameters: motility, count, concentration, and morphology.

Sources: Chicken, turkey, garlic, yogurt, and eggs.

L-Carnitine is absolutely essential for the energy metabolism in cells. Sperm in particular needs lots of energy in order to continue to swim. 

Studies have demonstrated that L-carnitine level in seminal plasma plays an essential role in maintaining male fertility.  In one study, when L-carnitine is supplemented in men, after three months, every single participant had improved their sperm quality.

Sources: Red meat

Pine Bark Extract acts as a multifunctional health support with proven benefits for blood circulation and sperm quality and function. Known for its extraordinary anti-oxidative properties it can help to protect the genome against free radicals.

Pine Bark Extract can also improve erectile function and enhance sexual desire.

Selenium is widely recognised for its importance for normal sperm production (spermatogenesis).  Research into male fertility has also shown that selenium benefits the structural integrity of sperm and can protect the DNA within sperm from oxidative stress.

Sources: Brazil nuts, seafood, whole grains

Vitamin B6 contributes to normal psychological function, normal functioning of the immune system, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and more importantly to the regulate healthy hormonal activity.

Healthy food sources:  Bananas, fortified cereal, spinach, chicken, salmon, and potatoes are high in vitamin B6.  Degradation: B6 is depleted by alcohol drinking and can be leached out into cooking water.

Vitamin B12 – helps to maintain the normal production and metabolism of men’s reproductive hormones.

Deficiency of vitamin B12 is not usually from lack of intake, but rather from lack of absorption. Inadequate hydrochloric acid in the stomach will prevent vitamin B12 from being released from dietary proteins so it cannot be utilised. 

Sources: B12 is found only in foods from animal products, such as meat, dairy products, and eggs.  

Men with fertility problems frequently lack vitamin D.

Vitamin D is produced in our skin as a response to sunlight, however, for those of us in the UK, the sun's ultraviolet rays are often too weak throughout Autumn and Winter for our bodies to create sufficient amounts.  The UK Government actually recommends everyone to take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10mcg throughout these colder seasons.

Naitre uses a Certified Vegan D3 ingredient made from sustainably sourced lichen, unlike the commonly used sheep's wool or fish liver oil. It’s a superior, readily absorbable form of vegan vitamin D3. 

Studies show that vitamin E supplementation significantly improves sperm motility. Studies also suggest that vitamin E together with vitamin C support the biochemical pathways leading to nitric oxide (NO) release, improving erectile function.

The main form of vitamin E is alpha-tocopherol. Tocopherols are essential to maintain fertility health. The word tocopherol means “to bear offspring”.

Sources: Vitamin E is mainly found in almonds, sunflower seeds, and cold-pressed oils. 

Fat-soluble vitamin K2 is essential for male fertility. Osteocalcin, which stimulates testosterone production and is required for sperm production and survival, depends on vitamins D and K2. 

Sources: Grass-fed ghee, liver and egg yolks.

Zinc is very important for male fertility. Zinc, is found in high concentrations in sperm and is a key building-block for both its tail and outer-layer.  Zinc is lost in the semen, so needs to be replenished regularly.

Sources: meat, fish, poultry, whole grains, and Brazil nuts.