Blast from the Past: Zinc, folate boost sperm count

The following article was originally publish in the July/Aug 2002 issue of the Health Hunters Newsletter. Zinc is still considered extremely important for effective conception.

Zinc, folate boost sperm count

These two supplements, zinc and folate (also called folic acid) may help
men increase their fertility, according to the journal Fertility and Sterility.

In a double blind study conducted in the Netherlands, researchers gave
108 fertile men and 103 subfertile men one of four supplement combinations:
(1) folic acid and placebo, (2) zinc and placebo, (3) folic acid and zinc, and (4)
two placebos. The zinc sulfate was 66 mg per day and the folic acid was 5 mg
per day.

The researchers found that the subfertile men who received zinc and folic acid had a 74% increase in total normal sperm and a 4% increase in abnormal sperm count. The fertile men showed a similar increase. The researchers concluded that the combination of zinc and folic acid is a good way to increase the fertility of men.

Editors Note: 

Food Sources for Zinc– Oysters, Toasted Wheat Germ, Veal Liver, Sesame Seeds & Tahini, Lean Roast Beef, Roasted Pumpkin & Squash Seeds, Dark Chocolate, Dried Watermelon Seeds, Lamb, Peanuts.

Food Sources for Folate– Dark Leafy Greens, Asparagus, Broccoli, Citrus Fruits, Beans/Peas/Lentils, Avocado, Seeds & Nuts, Cauliflower, Beets, Corn, Celery, Carrots, Squash.