Male fertility

Male fertility and preconception planning

The importance of preconception preparation in the male is often sadly neglected as the emphasis is
frequently put upon the female, especially when sperm tests have been conducted and found to be
normal. However, it has been Foresight's experience over the years, that even when sperm test
results appear to be good, essential reproductive minerals such as zinc and selenium are frequently
lacking in the male. In addition, metal toxicity can also be present, which can affect fertility and can
also be a contributory factor for miscarriage in the female after conception. Studies have shown that
there is an increased risk of miscarriage when there are sperm abnormalities[i]. The good news is
much can be done to improve these issues.

Supplement for male health and fertility

FANTASTIC OFFER MULTI-NUTRIENT FOR MEN 3 FOR 2

3 pots of 60 Vegan Capsules

RRP: 76.50

Offer: 51.00 (3 months' supply for the price of 2 months' supply)

Details

Foresight's pro-conception Multi Nutrient for Men has been designed specifically to support male
fertility and is currently part of our 3 for 2 sale. At just 51.00 that's a fantastic offer.

With a range of vitamins including E, C, K and 30mg (1000IU) of Vitamin D3. The whole B complex
including body-ready forms of folic acid (methyl folate) and methyl cobalamin (Vitamin B12). A range
of key minerals including magnesium, zinc, manganese, food state selenium and GTF chromium. We
have also included CoQ10 and L-Arginine for male health, as well as Beta Glucan's for immune

support and Lycopene for its very promising results in the treatment of male infertility.

The Foresight Multi Nutrient for Men is the result of over 3 decades' worth of working with male
fertility, combining research, experience and expertise in promoting optimum health, preconception
care and natural fertility.

Since 1978, Foresight has helped thousands of couples have healthy babies by focusing on nutrition,
addressing toxicity, advising appropriate lifestyle changes and by generally supporting individuals
and couples on their fertility journey. Changes to both diet and lifestyle can sometimes be
challenging, but making these changes will give you the best possible chance of optimising your
fertility.

At Foresight we recommend you allow at least 3 months preparation time to optimise your health
prior to conception. Although men produce sperm constantly, it takes 2.5 to 3 months (around 74
days to be exact) for sperm to fully mature. Optimising your health during this time can really
impact on your sperm quality, including motility and morphology. Motility and morphology are
important qualities, ensuring that the most healthy of sperm has the strength, shape and speed to be
able to reach the egg, penetrate it's outer shell and fertilise it.

Key nutrients for male fertility and preconception care

Manganese and male fertility

Manganese is an essential trace mineral and antioxidant required for numerous enzyme reactions,
energy production, bone growth and development, lipid metabolism and nerve function. Certain
amounts of manganese are needed for normal sperm function, but an imbalance has been shown to
harm male fertility. A high intake or too much environmental exposure can reduce sperm quality and
quantity, influencing male infertility. Elevated copper can also impact on manganese levels. The
multi-nutrient for men contains a measured dose of manganese which supports balanced levels
within the body. Due to the importance of each individual maintaining balanced manganese levels
within the body, hair mineral analysis testing is advised.

Selenium and male fertility

Selenium is one of the key minerals in our multi-nutrient for men supplement. Selenium is a
powerful anti-oxidant, widely recognized for its role in reducing potentially damaging free radicals to
harmless substances such as water. It is a key mineral for reproduction and good levels are

important to safeguard against foetal damage. Insufficient selenium can impair immune function,
and can be a causal factor in recurrent illnesses. Selenium is essential for reproductive health,
thyroid function and an efficient immune system, displaying anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties
and, combined with vitamin E, promotes anti-inflammatory pathways. Selenium is protective against
toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, which can affect sperm development. The level is
important in both partners. Good levels of Selenium are essential to maximise sperm formation and
are also needed for optimum testosterone production. Trials have found selenium to be a key
fertility mineral in the male[ii]. Blood selenium levels have been found to be significantly lower in
men with low sperm counts[iii].

Zinc and male fertility

Zinc is essential for general health and immune system function as well as being a fundamental
mineral for reproductive health and particularly for the proper development of sperm[iv]. Zinc
deficiency can cause chromosome changes in either the man or the woman, leading to reduced
fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. Studies have also shown that zinc deficiency in men
causes a temporary but reversible reduction in sperm count and reduced testosterone levels[v]
which can be a causal factor in erectile dysfunction. Zinc deficiency has also been associated with
low libido. Optimal zinc levels also help to prevent copper levels getting too high, which is
important because high copper levels and low zinc levels in both the male and female can be a risk
factor for miscarriage.

Men and copper imbalance

Men are more affected when copper is out of balance than women are in many cases. While most
women tend to have more copper in their bodies naturally, due to its relationship to the hormone
oestrogen, making them oestrogen-dominant, men by contrast should be zinc-dominant. Zinc
balances copper in the body and is essential for male reproductive and particularly sperm health.

References

[i] Furuhjelm et al, 'The quality of human semen in spontaneous abortion', International Journal of
Fertiltiy, vol 7 (1962), pp. 17-21.

[ii] Scott, R. et al, 'Selenium supplementation in subfertile human males', in P.W.F. Fischer et al
(eds), Trace Elements in man and animals 9 (TEMA 9), Ottawa NRC Research Press (1997).

[iii] Krznjavi, H. et al, 'Selenium and fertility in men', Trace Elements in Medicine, vol 9(2) (1992),
pp. 107-8.

[iv] Davies, S., 'Zinc, nutrition and health', in E. Bland (ed), 1984-1985 Yearbook of Nutritional
Medicine, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, Connecticut (1985), pp. 113-52.

[v] 1) Abbasi, A.A et al, 'Experimental zinc deficiency in man: effect on testicular function', Journal of
Laboratory and Clinical Medicine, vol 96 (1980), pp. 544-50. 2) Hunt, C.D. et al, 'Effects of dietary
zinc depletion on seminal volume and zinc loss, serum testosterone concentration and sperm
morphology in young men', American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, vol 56 (1992), pp. 148-57.

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