From the Guidelines
There is no clear evidence to support the use of prenatal vitamins in men trying to conceive, as current data suggest they are likely not harmful but of questionable value in improving fertility outcomes. According to the American Urological Association and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine guideline 1, the use of supplements, including vitamins and antioxidants, has not been proven to improve fertility outcomes in men. While a healthy diet and lifestyle are essential for overall health and fertility, the specific use of prenatal vitamins or supplements in men has not been shown to have a significant impact on sperm health or fertility.
Some studies have suggested that certain nutrients, such as zinc, selenium, and folate, may be important for sperm health, but the evidence is not strong enough to support the use of prenatal vitamins or supplements in men trying to conceive 1. In fact, the guideline states that the benefits of using these supplements are "questionable" and that they are "likely not harmful, but of questionable value in improving fertility outcomes" 1.
In terms of specific nutrients, the guideline does not provide recommendations for men trying to conceive, but it does discuss the importance of testosterone production and sperm formation in male fertility 1. However, the use of supplements to support these processes is not recommended, and instead, men are advised to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet.
Overall, the current evidence does not support the use of prenatal vitamins in men trying to conceive, and men should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet rather than relying on supplements. As stated in the guideline, "there are no clear, reliable data to support use of the variety of supplements (vitamins, antioxidants, nutritional supplement formulations) that have been offered to men attempting conception" 1.
From the Research
Evidence for Prenatal Vitamins in Men
- There is evidence to suggest that antioxidant supplements, including vitamins and minerals, can have a positive effect on sperm parameters and male fertility 2, 3, 4.
- Studies have shown that supplements such as CoQ10, alpha-tocopherol, carnitine, vitamin C, and vitamin E can improve sperm count, motility, and morphology 3.
- A combination of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10, has been shown to effectively improve semen parameters in infertile men 3.
- Antioxidant supplementation has been found to increase live birth rates and pregnancy rates in men undergoing assisted reproduction, with a 4.18-fold improvement in pregnancy rates and a 4.85-fold improvement in live birth rates 4.
Limitations and Future Research
- While there is evidence to support the use of antioxidant supplements in improving male fertility, further research is needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of these supplements 4.
- Current diagnostic testing for male infertility is limited, and further research is needed to understand the internal components of sperm and how they contribute to male infertility 5.
- Investigation of sexual, general, and psychological health status is advisable in infertile men to improve reproductive problems and general health 6.