From the Guidelines
A chronic mild copper deficiency can potentially contribute to male infertility, as copper plays a crucial role in sperm production, motility, and viability, and its deficiency can disrupt these processes, leading to impaired fertility. Copper is an essential trace mineral that is involved in various biological processes related to male reproductive health, including energy production in sperm cells and hormone regulation, such as testosterone production, which is vital for male fertility 1. The recommended daily intake of copper for adult men is approximately 900 micrograms per day, and good dietary sources include shellfish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and organ meats.
When copper levels are chronically low, even mildly, it can increase oxidative stress and impair normal sperm development and function, leading to conditions such as oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or teratozoospermia, which are characterized by low sperm concentration, reduced sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology, respectively 1. Additionally, copper deficiency can also affect hormone regulation, including testosterone production, which is crucial for male fertility.
For men concerned about fertility who suspect copper deficiency, a blood test can measure serum copper levels, and if deficiency is confirmed, a healthcare provider might recommend copper supplements, typically in the range of 1-2 mg daily, but this should only be done under medical supervision as excess copper can be harmful 1. Addressing other lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol, quitting smoking, and reducing stress are also important complementary approaches to optimizing fertility.
Some key points to consider in the evaluation and management of male infertility include:
- A comprehensive medical history and physical examination to identify potential underlying causes of infertility
- Semen analysis to evaluate sperm parameters, such as concentration, motility, and morphology
- Hormonal evaluation, including testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, to assess hormone regulation and potential deficiencies
- Genetic testing, such as karyotype analysis, to identify potential genetic abnormalities that may be contributing to infertility
- Lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol and smoking, and reducing stress, to optimize fertility.
From the Research
Copper Deficiency and Male Infertility
- Copper plays a crucial role in male fertility, and both copper increase and deficiency can lead to a significant reduction in male fertility 2
- Copper deficiency can affect the production of male gametes, cell division, and the distribution of androgen, leading to abnormalities at the sperm level, male gonad, and hormone production 2
- A chronic mild copper deficiency can potentially cause male infertility due to its impact on spermatogenesis and the overall reproductive system 2, 3
Mechanisms of Copper Deficiency
- Copper deficiency can lead to the reduction or eradication of copper-dependent enzymes, inhibiting cell life processes and causing damage to proteins and DNA 2
- The effects of copper deficiency on male fertility are connected to the increasing levels of pollution with heavy metals in the environment 2
- Copper deficiency can also affect the cardiovascular, cutaneous, and immune systems, leading to severe hematologic and neurologic complications 4
Comparison with Other Nutrient Deficiencies
- Zinc deficiency can also lead to impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility, with oxidative stress and inflammation being key mechanisms 5
- Iron and copper are both essential trace nutrients that play important roles in male reproduction, but excess or deficiency of either element can lead to fertility impairment 3
- Zinc supplementation can decrease copper status, suggesting a complex interaction between these nutrients 6