Calcium and Sperm Production
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
--
What does calcium do for sperm production? A deficiency in calcium will decrease spermatogenesis and fertilization rates. A lack of calcium will also decrease sperm motility, acrosome reaction, and steroidogenesis. Here are a few other things you should know about calcium and sperm production. Read on to find out more.
Dietary fat
Recent studies have found a link between dietary fats and sperm production. High intakes of n-3 fatty acids are associated with increased sperm volume. High intakes of n-6 fatty acids, however, do not appear to affect the total number of sperm. Although the relationship between dietary fats and sperm production is not fully understood, it is likely that reducing saturated fat intake can benefit reproductive health.
While there are no definite links between calcium and sperm production, a Mediterranean diet has been associated with higher sperm counts and concentration. Additionally, this diet is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and type II diabetes, so consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet is recommended. While it will not increase sperm counts overnight, you'll likely see improvement in your quality over time if you make this diet a part of your daily diet.
One study, conducted in men with low sperm counts, found that regular aerobic exercise increased sperm counts by up to 167%. In addition to improving sperm count, the study also found that ashwagandha, an Indian ginseng, increased sperm motility and increased overall semen quality. Moreover, dietary fats and calcium may have a positive effect on male fertility.
PUFAs, which are essential for the production of sperm, are susceptible to lipid peroxidation, a condition that causes the formation of reactive oxygen species, which damage sperm function. This is the reason why the consumption of unprotected PUFAs may lead to reduced sperm function. To mitigate the damaging effects of lipid peroxidation, vitamin E has been added to rooster diets.
Sperm chemotaxis
The relationship between calcium and sperm production is not well understood, but a new study suggests that the influx of calcium may influence sperm motility. Increased calcium may also affect axoneme activities and glycolysis. Sperm production is a process that relies on calcium for regulating seminal osmolarity and cell volume. These mechanisms may explain why calcium is important to sperm motility.
In men with anemia, blood levels may be too low. The result can be impaired motility and a low rate of clinical pregnancy. Low sperm motility and fluidity are symptoms of asthenozoospermia. Various factors may contribute to the condition, including a genetic disorder or defective protein structures. Some lifestyle factors also affect the production of ATP. Hence, calcium levels should be measured regularly.
Dietary vitamin C intake has also been associated with healthy sperm parameters. Seminal ascorbic acid levels are significantly higher than those of serum. They protect sperm DNA from oxidative damage. Ascorbic acid may account for up to 65% of seminal antioxidant activity. Vitamin E also promotes the structure and integrity of sperm. Vitamin E also enhances sperm morphology and fertilization in the acrosome reaction. The association between serum alpha-tocopherol and fertility is significant. Supplemental vitamin E has been associated with decreased lipid peroxidation in sperm and improved clinical pregnancy rates.
While the relationship between calcium and sperm production is not well understood, it is clear that vitamin D may play a role in promoting reproductive health. It has been suggested that calcium can improve sperm motility in men with poor acrosome function. Supplementation of vitamin D3 may also help improve sperm quality. But this is not the only benefit of VD3. Calcium also has important implications for fertility.
Vitamin E
One of the most commonly used methods to enhance sperm production is to supplement a man's diet with Vitamin E and calcium. Studies have shown that both supplements can enhance the quality of the semen. In addition to promoting sperm quality, they can also improve a man's chances of successfully inpregnanting their partner. In addition, these nutrients have been shown to increase the number of sperm cells in a man's body.
Vitamins C and E are essential antioxidants that protect body cells from free radicals and oxidative stress. Vitamin C, in particular, can improve sperm motility and count. Vitamin E and calcium supplements for men have been shown to increase fertility rates in a 1996 study. Men who took vitamin E supplements for three months before they tried to conceive experienced an increase in their chances of conception. Although vitamin C supplementation can improve sperm motility, it should be taken for several months before attempting to conceive.
In a review published in 2020, researchers identified several vitamins that can enhance male fertility. Vitamin E, which is also an antioxidant, has been found to improve sperm mobility and DNA integrity. According to the National Institute of Health, men should consume at least 1,000 milligrams of vitamin C every day. While extra calcium supplements may not increase sperm production, they are still essential to prevent deficiencies and improve general reproductive health.
The effects of vitamin D on sperm motility have been studied. Supplementation of vitamin D has shown a 75% increase in normal sperm count in sub-fertile men. For these reasons, a man should consume Vitamin E and calcium for sperm production. If the body doesn't receive enough vitamin D and calcium, the sperm production process will suffer.
