Inositol and Male Fertility
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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Inositol and male fertility are closely related, but some differences are noted. For example, inositol increases sperm motility but does not increase testosterone levels.
There are several hypotheses for the relationship between inositol and male fertility. Inositol increases sperm motility and concentration in the seminiferous tubules. Inositol increases with the movement of spermatozoa through the epididymis and vas deferens. In addition, inositol improves metabolic profiles of patients with subfertility.
Effects of inositol on sperm motility
Inositol is a type of sugar that has many beneficial effects on the body, including influencing cell signals and improving sperm motility. The sugar is found in some foods and have been noted to increase male fertility. In a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, inositol improved sperm motility and increased pregnancy rates in men with oligoasthenospermia.
The results of the study showed that inositol improved the motility of sperm in group B and C. The OAT samples had lower PR motility and higher percentages of inositol spermatozoa, whereas the normozoospermic control group showed no change. Moreover, the inisitol solution significantly improved the PR and NP motility. In addition, the oral inisitol treatment had similar effects on sperm motility.
The researchers analyzed the effects of inositol on sex-related parameters of sperm before and after treatment. The results were reported as mean + SEM. The Shapiro-Wilks test was performed to determine if each variable had a normal distribution. Student's t test, one-way analysis of variance, and Duncan's Multiple Range Tests were used for statistical analysis. Chi square analysis was also used to determine the percentage of patients with normal sperm motility. The researchers used SPSS 23.0 for Windows to analyze the data. A p-value of 0.05 or lower was considered statistically significant.
Effects of inositol on serum reproductive hormones
Inositol is a component of sperm that plays an important role in oocyte fertilization. Inositol affects the function of several hormones that are essential for male fertility. Studies have shown that inositol improves sperm motility and affects the metabolic profile of subfertile men. Despite this, more research is needed to determine if this substance can enhance male fertility.
The inositol family of cyclic carbohydrates includes myo-inositol, D-chiro-inositol, and inositol triphosphate. These compounds improve hormonal and metabolic status and may restore spontaneous ovulation. However, they do have some side effects. Some people may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and irritability after taking inositol.
Men with low levels of vitamin D have a decreased ability to get their partner pregnant. Vitamin D can increase sperm quality. The optimal levels of certain hormones, enzymes, and antioxidants may help conceive a child. Although vitamin D level is not directly related to sperm production, it is an important contributing factor when it comes to male fertility. If a man takes inositol, his chances of having a child are significantly higher.
In addition, D-chiro-inositol may also inhibit the aromatase enzyme, which is responsible for maintaining hormone balance. Until now, no one knows exactly how inositol affects hormone levels. While the exact mechanisms of its action remain unclear, it has therapeutic uses at different dosages and for various durations.
