Fructose is a sugar in the semen. It provides energy for the sperm. If it is too low, the sperm will be disadvantaged at swimming to and fertilising an egg.
The absence or low fructose levels in semen may indicate a problem with the seminal vesicles[1]””Understanding Semen Analysis”. Stonybrook, State University of New York. 1999. Retrieved 2007-08-05″
The World Health Organisation regards 13 μmol (or approximately 3 mg/ml) as the lower reference limit for the amount of fructose per sample[2]”http://humupd.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/3/231“.
Male fertility is declining
Statistics and Causes
One in six couples (15%), who are attempting to conceive naturally fail to do so in 12 months and are therefore considered “subfertile”. Approximately 40% of these cases are caused by “male factor” infertility[5]”http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1240129“. Although the causes are still not well understood, they are often linked to poor diets low in key nutrients and increasing exposure to toxins in our environment.
How to increase male fertility
There are a number of things a man can do to improve his fertility. These include lifestyle choices such as the elimination of fast food, nicotine and alcohol, regular exercise, restful sleep and the reduction of stress.
In addition, scientific studies have show that an increase in sperm count can be achieved by taking the following food supplements:
- amino acids such as Arginine and Carnitine
- antioxidants such as Glutathione and and co-emzyme Q10
- trace metals such as zinc and selenium
- vitamins such as A, B9 (folic acid), C, D and E
- extracts such as pine bark extracts (Pycgnogenol)
These amino acids, vitamins and trace elements are naturally occurring nutrients and no side effects are to be expected. On the contrary, increasing the supply of such micronutrients causes significant health benefits such as a stabilisation of the immune system, a positive effect on cardiovascular circulation and skin and hair health.
There is therefore no medical reason not to implement a micronutrient rich diet for a half or a full year.
VIDEO: Learn How To Read a Semen Analysis (video 2 of our video series)
References
| ↑1 | ””Understanding Semen Analysis”. Stonybrook, State University of New York. 1999. Retrieved 2007-08-05″ |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | ”http://humupd.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/3/231“ |
| ↑3 | ”Carlsen E, Giwercman AJ, Keiding N, Skakkebaek NE. Decline in semen quality from 1930 to 1991. Ugeskr Laeger 1993;155:2230-2235″ |
| ↑4 | ”Carlsen E, Giwercman AJ, Keiding N, Skakkebaek NE. Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during past 50 years. BMJ 1992; 305:609-613″ |
| ↑5 | ”http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1240129“ |
