MFS Fertility Blog

Vitamin C for Improved Sperm Health

Posted on January 31, 2013 in Sperm Health

Many physiological and lifestyle factors affect the health of your sperm. Sperm development, or spermatogenesis, is a complex process that requires cooperation between various cells and hormones, as well as adequate amount of energy and nutrients. If you consume a nutritionally poor diet, there is a possibility you suffer from nutrient deficiencies, which will affect your sperm health, such as causing low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal shape.

Antioxidants & Sperm Health
Some of the nutrients that are scientifically proven to affect your sperm health include antioxidants, such as vitamin C. Antioxidants are a group of micronutrients that help protect your cells (such as sperm cells) against damage caused by free radicals. Clinical studies have found that eating antioxidant-rich foods can improve sperm health, especially sperm concentration and motility.

Benefits of Vitamin C
Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is classified as a vitamin as well as an antioxidant. Your body needs vitamin C to synthesize collagen, heal wounds, fight against free radicals, and protect your cells from destruction. Adult men should get at least 90 mg of vitamin C per day. Because vitamin C is soluble to water, it is easily removed from the body. Therefore, you should eat vitamin C-rich foods on daily basis to prevent deficiency.  Foods that contain high amount of vitamin C include: citrus fruits, orange juice, grapefruit juice, sweet peppers, papayas, peaches, strawberries and broccoli. In addition, you can get vitamin C from many supplements.

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