Joel asked
My husband and I are in between ivf cycles and we found online that zinc can help sperm quality so he has started taking 25mg zinc glutonate. However we just looked and there is also 15mg of zinc in the wellman conception he is taking. Is this too much zinc to take? We want to take the highest dose possible but obviously dont want to cause any problems. Thanks in advance!
Answer
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for the normal functioning of the human body. It is involved with so many different aspects including regulation of gene expression, protein folding, immunity and other cellular processes. At any one time, our bodies contain around 3 grams of zinc, which is mainly present in our muscles, bones, kidneys and blood cells.
Does Zinc Help Fertility?
Zinc has been used and studied for countless different indications. Zinc formulations have been used since ancient times as it was thought to help enhance wound healing. Surprisingly enough, it was also used historically as an aphrodisiac. One of the most common uses today if for both the treatment and prophylaxis of a cold.
In terms of infertility, zinc has been studied extensively and there is conflicting results. The studies involving zinc included doses that were much higher than what your husband was taken with very few if any ill effects. We took a look at 4 different studies and the following were the dosages used:
- 66 mg of zinc sulfate daily for 26 weeks taken to improve sperm count in fertile and subfertile males.
- 250mg of zinc sulfate taken twice daily for three months.
- 440mg of zinc sulfate for up to 24 months
- 66-500mg of zinc sulfate taken daily for 13-26 weeks
While those doses I just mentioned have shown to be safe, I should say that the FDA in the United States has put the upper limit of zinc per day as follows:
- The upper limit for zinc is 4mg daily for infants up to six months
- 5mg daily for infants 7-12 months old
- 7mg daily for children 1-3 years old
- 12mg daily for children 4-8 years old
- 23mg daily for children 9-13 years old
- 34mg daily for children 14-18 years old
- 40mg daily for adults 19 years old and older.
Side Effects Of Zinc For Fertility
Zinc is regarded as a relatively safe mineral when taken at recommended doses, with few reported side effects. The Effects of short-term, low-level zinc supplementation (total intake of 40mg daily) on severe side effects are lacking with no real data to report. The following are possible with high doses taken for prolonged amounts of time:
- Skin reactions such as rashes and dry skin
- GI problems including nausea and vomiting
Studies Regarding Zinc For Fertility
Study 1
Omu et al. conducted a randomized controlled study to examine the effects of zinc supplements on sperm quality in 100 patients with asthenozoospermia (impaired motility and up to 40% of nonmotile spermatozoa) (244).
To be included in the study, spermatozoa motility must have been impaired, with >40% nonmotile spermatozoa, and the couple must have been trying to conceive without success for more than 12 months. Patients were randomized to zinc as sulfate, 250mg,
two times daily, or no treatment. The study lasted for three months, and follow-up was for six months. Sperm parameters, antisperm antibodies, sex hormones, and t-helper cells were analyzed before and following treatment.
The (t-test) results showed significant improvements in sperm quality, a reduction in antisperm antibodies, increased sperm counts, and improved motility and fertilization capacity (p<0.05-0.01). In addition, seminal zinc/cadmium levels, T-helper cells, and interleukin-4 levels increased following zinc treatment, while TNF-alpha levels were reduced.
Study 2
Antoniou et al. conducted a placebo controlled trial to examine the effects of zinc supplementation in impotent men with low plasma-zinc levels on hemodialysis (391). Twelve men were included; one patient died, and three dropped out because of illness.
Men received zinc sulfate three times daily (150mg of elemental zinc daily) (N=4) or placebo (N=4). Primary outcome measures included sexual function, including potency, frequency of intercourse, libido, and plasma testosterone; and follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Zinc improved potency in all patients and raised the plasma-testosterone to normal in the two with low pre-treatment plasma testosterone levels
