WHY CARNITINE IS CRITICAL FOR MALE FERTILITY
Overview
Carnitine improves male fertility by supporting sperm count, sperm concentration, motility, nuclear DNA integrity and morphology.
L-Carnitine is present in almost every cell in the body. It is derived from the amino acids lysine and methionine. Carnitine is the generic name for several compounds. These include L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and propionyl-L-carnitine.
Involved in energy production, this compound delivers long-chain fatty acids to mitochondria. It helps with energy production and removes associated waste products. This amino acid also has important antioxidant properties. It can help to protect sperm cells from oxidative stress.
Clinical Study: Do low L-carnitine levels reduce male fertility?
In a study of semen samples collected from 101 men, researchers confirmed the presence of L-carnitine in seminal plasma can vary between fertile and infertile men[1]Matalliotakis I, Koumantaki Y, Evageliou A, Matalliotakis G, Goumenou A, Koumantakis E. L-carnitine levels in the seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men: correlation with sperm quality. … Continue reading.
Other research conducted in Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran confirmed low levels of L-carnitine are associated with infertile men[2]Sheikh N, Goodarzi M, Al-Havaejee HB, Safari M, Amiri I, Najafi R, Hadeie J. L-carnitine level in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men. Journal of Research in Health Sciences. 2007. 7(1):43-48. In this case study, 72 infertile men and 80 fertile men had their L-carnitine levels assessed using a UV enzymatic test.
Results
These studies found that
These studies show that this amino acid is important for supporting several aspects of sperm health. This compound is needed to maintain healthy sperm density, morphology and movement.
Clinical Study: Does L-carnitine & L-acetylcarnitine supplementation improve male fertility?
Infertile men may be able to enhance sperm health by taking L-carnitine supplements according to research by De Rosa and colleagues[3]De Rosa M, Boggia B, Amalfi B, Zarrilli S, Vita A, Colao A, Lombardi G. Correlation between seminal carnitine and functional spermatozoal characteristics in men with semen dysfunction of various … Continue reading.
In this study, 170 infertile males received L-acetylcarnitine 500 mg twice daily and L-carnitine 1 g daily for 6 months. Levels of seminal carnitine were assessed. Researchers also measured sperm parameters such as motility, count, and DNA integrity.
Results
The study found that
This research highlights the importance of this amino acid for supporting male fertility. Supplementation may improve sperm parameters the increase chances of fertilisation.
Clinical Study: Does L-carnitine lower oxidative stress on spermatozoa
Sperm health can be negatively affected by free radical damage. A placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial investigated the effects of carnitine on sperm kenetics and oxyradical scavenging capacity[4]Balercia G, Regoli F, Armeni T, Koverech A, Mantero F, Boscaro M. Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial on the use of l-carnitine, l-acetylcarnitine, or combined l-carnitine and … Continue reading.
Fifty-nine patients were administered either L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, a combination of both acetyl-L-carnitine and L-carnitine, or a placebo.
Results
The study found that
This study highlights the importance of this amino acid for minimising oxidative stress. Protecting sperm from free radical damage is essential for maintaining fertility.
Clinical Study: Can In-vitro fertilisation benefit from L-carnitine?
In preparation for IVF treatment, sperm typically undergoes in-vitro incubation and centrifugation. These processes are known to reduce human sperm quality.
In one study, researchers assessed the effects of L-carnitine on sperm viability. They focused on DNA oxidation and sperm motility following incubation and centrifugation[5]Banihani S, Sharma R, Bayachou M, Sabanegh E, Agarwal A. Human sperm DNA oxidation, motility and viability in the presence of l‐carnitine during in vitro incubation and centrifugation. Andrologia. … Continue reading.
Results
The study found that
This research suggests that couples undergoing IVF treatment may benefit from carnitine supplementation. This amino acid may protect healthy sperm motility during in-vitro incubation and centrifugation.
Sources of L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine rich foods include red meat, pork, dairy, avocado, peanuts, asparagus, and wheat products. Red meats are the richest source of this compound.
www.amitamin.com/en/fertilsan-m New life deserves the best possible start!
When buying L-Carnitine as a supplement, branded ingredient “Carnipure®” is a recommended source, because purity is very high due to a patented fermentation process. Other qualities may result to include D-Carnitine, which is toxic when being taken in higher dosages.
VIDEO: How to improve sperm naturally with food
Using Carnitine to improve male fertility
L-Carnitine is a powerful male fertility enhancing nutrient, but it is also just one of several so called fertility-neutraceuticals. Clinical research studies have consistently shown that
Dr. Kooner is Deputy Director of The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago and has been a Specialist in Fertility Treatment since 1999.
As well as the areas that the clinic specialises in general, he is particularly interested in managing oocyte donation, female same-sex couples, single women having sperm donation and those considering egg freezing.
Dr. Kooner regularly speaks at fertility meetings. He has published in national journals and constantly contributes to the fertility research and publications from Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago.
References
| ↑1 | Matalliotakis I, Koumantaki Y, Evageliou A, Matalliotakis G, Goumenou A, Koumantakis E. L-carnitine levels in the seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men: correlation with sperm quality. International Journal of Fertility and Women’s Medicine. 2000. 45(3):236-240 |
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| ↑2 | Sheikh N, Goodarzi M, Al-Havaejee HB, Safari M, Amiri I, Najafi R, Hadeie J. L-carnitine level in seminal plasma of fertile and infertile men. Journal of Research in Health Sciences. 2007. 7(1):43-48 |
| ↑3 | De Rosa M, Boggia B, Amalfi B, Zarrilli S, Vita A, Colao A, Lombardi G. Correlation between seminal carnitine and functional spermatozoal characteristics in men with semen dysfunction of various origins. Drugs in R&D. 2005. 6(1):1-9 |
| ↑4 | Balercia G, Regoli F, Armeni T, Koverech A, Mantero F, Boscaro M. Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial on the use of l-carnitine, l-acetylcarnitine, or combined l-carnitine and l-acetylcarnitine in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia. Fertility and Sterility. 2005. 84(3):662-671 |
| ↑5 | Banihani S, Sharma R, Bayachou M, Sabanegh E, Agarwal A. Human sperm DNA oxidation, motility and viability in the presence of l‐carnitine during in vitro incubation and centrifugation. Andrologia. 2012. 44(1):505-512 |
| ↑6 | Tremellen K. Oxidative stress and male infertility—a clinical perspective. Human Reproduction Update. 2008. 14(3):243-258 |
| ↑7 | Imhof M, Lackner J, Lipovac M, Chedraui P, Riedl C. Improvement of sperm quality after micronutrient supplementation. e-SPEN Journal. 2012. 7(1):e50-e53 |
