We don’t usually consider our micronutrients, but we actually don’t know their crucial role in our overall health and fertility. Some of them are Zinc and Selenium, whose role is directly linked with fertility. We usually talk about female fertility; now let’s talk about male fertility, because most men are not aware of the importance of nutrients that are hampering their ability to become a father.
The prevalence of zinc deficiency is between 19% and 35%, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). While some studies indicated the serious concern of widespread Zinc and Selenium deficiency in Indian men because of the dietary habits. While the WHO report claimed that one-third of the world’s population (males) have zinc deficiency, impairing male reproductive health and increasing the risk of idiopathic male infertility (explained male infertility).
Scary right?
This article will help you to know the role of Zinc and Selenium in improving male fertility, helping in making the right decision for you before it becomes an issue.
Lack of zinc in men increases the number of abnormal-shaped sperm along with their structure. Also, selenium component selenoprotein deficiency causes issues with sperm development and maturation, resulting in malformed sperm tails and heads. These conditions prevent the sperm from penetrating the eggs properly and cause infertility.
But with proper intake, men can improve their reproductive health. Zinc helps to regulate testosterone levels and influences libido and sperm production, maintains sperm DNA integrity, improves motility, and also acts as an antioxidants that protect sperm from damage from oxidative stress and radicals. On the other side, Selenium improves structural components of mature sperm and reduces the risk of abnormal morphology.
“Deficiency of Zinc and Selenium and infertility go hand-in-hand, and these have been scientifically linked to reduce sperm quality and motility.”
Male fertility is more than a matter of numbers of sperm; it’s a multifaceted biological process that includes spermatogenesis (production of sperm), maturation, hormonal regulation, and antioxidant defense. Spermatogenesis takes place in the testes, where germ cells mature into sperm in response to hormones such as testosterone. After production, the sperm also go through a critical maturation phase in the epididymis, where they acquire motility and the capacity to fertilize an egg. Along the way, defense against oxidative stress is the key to maintaining DNA integrity and avoiding damage that will compromise fertility. Every process that leads to fertility is the combination of elements like zinc and selenium.
Zinc plays a significant part in converting immature germ cells into healthy, functional sperm and allowing them to develop normally in the epididymis. It aids in testosterone synthesis, maintains the stability of DNA within sperm, and protects from oxidative stress; all are essential to ensure fertile health.
Selenium enhances sperm motility and morphology through its presence in high-potency antioxidant selenoproteins. It protects the sperm tail (motility) and sperm DNA integrity, minimizing fragmentation leading to infertility. The two nutrients together improve sperm quality, improve fertilization potential, and offer double antioxidant protection, which no solitary vitamin or mineral can ever imagine coming close to. Also, this plays a vital role in converting germ cells into sperm cells and their maturation in the epididymis.
Note: Eating these foods daily not only boosts sperm health but also aids testosterone and ensures long-term reproductive advantages. Zinc + selenium supplements are now being recommended by the majority of fertility experts for men who are battling subfertility, backed by worldwide research in establishments like the WHO and Harvard.
Selenium’s work is directly influenced by Zinc, which is why considering taking in an adequate amount is crucial. Doing or eating things more than they should be always comes with a price. As per the NIH 2024 report, the average intake of selenium should not be more than 10mcg/day, and for zinc, it is 11mg/day.
Consuming more than the recommended daily dose contributes to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. And its potential long-term effects include improper immune function and influence on copper absorption, leading to fatigue, hair loss, and even some serious health complications.
Zinc and Selenium play a vital role in male fertility by supporting motility, quality, and hormonal balance. Your reproductive health matters a lot, and this can only be maintained through proper nutrition. Overlooking their importance can ruin the health, which is why, combination of different elements can fulfil the needs of the body. Moreover, consuming them in adequate quantity is also a matter; for that, it is best to talk to specialists like Aveya Fertility Centre. Their professional health can help to improve not only reproductive health, but also overall health for better living.
Ignoring the need of the body is not the solution; instead, Aveya Fertility Centre’s experts are. Contact today and book your consultation, because prevention is better than cure.