Over the past decades there has been a gradual decline in male fertility. Given that healthy fertility depends on a many different physiological variables, it’s difficult to determine what’s driving this rise in sub-fertility among men.
However, many studies do point to lifestyle factors and diet plays a key role. Making positive dietary changes can help to elevate certain amino acids and other nutrients that are important for fertility.
Within the human body there are 22 common amino acids. These are essential protein building blocks. Many amino acids have other roles within the body, including supporting fertility. While the body is able to produce some amino acids, there are others which must be obtained through diet.
In recent years there has been growing interest in the application of amino acids in the treatment of male infertility. Researchers are finding that certain amino acids can help to improve fertility in men. These nutrients can support higher sperm counts, increase motility, and healthy morphology.
3 Key Male Fertility Amino Acids
There are many nutrients that are important for male fertility. However, studies have highlighted the significant of three particular amino acids. These are carnitine, glutathione and arginine. The body is able to manufacture these amino acids.
However, there are times when they become conditional. If the body is stressed or suffering from an illness there can be a shortage of these amino acids. Consequently the body is unable to maintain the functions provided by these nutrients.
This is where diet and supplements can significantly help to increase the availability of amino acids and give the body a boost. Three important male fertility antioxidants include carnitine, glutathione, and arginine. These nutirents have specific functions that help with the production and maintenance of healthy sperm.
Carnitine
Synthesised from the essential amino acids lysine and methionine, carnitine is produced in the liver and kidneys. This amino acid has valuable antioxidant capabilities. Consequently it can help to shield the sperm membrane and DNA from the damaging effects of free radicals[1]“Dolmeci, D. (2005). Oxidative stress, male infertility and the role of carnitines. Folia Medica. Volume 47, Issue 1, (pp. 26-30).”.
Research shows that oxidative stress is one of the most common causes of sub-fertility in men[2]“Showell, M. et.al. (2011). Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1, Art No: CD007411.”. Elevating concentration of this amino acid can help to lessen oxidative stress and support better quality sperm[3]“Armed, S. et.al. (2011). Role of L-carnitine in male infertility. The Journal of Pakistan Medical Association. Volume 61, Issue 8, (pp. 732-6).”.
There are also other benefits of carnitine for male fertility. Studies have found that supplementation with this amino acid can improve sperm motility[4]Vitali, G. et.al. (1995). Carnitine supplementation in human idiopathic asthenospermia: clinical results. Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research. Volume 21, Issue 4, (pp. 157-9).”, concentration[5]Cavallini, G. et.al. (2004). Cinnoxicam and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia. Journal of Andrology. Volume 25, Issue 5, (pp. … Continue reading, and quality[6.“Lenzi, A. et.al. (2003). Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial. Fertility and Sterility. Volume 79, Issue 2, (pp. 293-300)”],[6]“Costa, M. et.al. (1994). L-carnitine in idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a multicenter study. Italian Study Group on Carnitine and Male Infertility. Andrologia. Volume 26, Issue 3, (pp. 155-9).”. Carnitine helps to transport fatty acids to the mitochondria. This critical role in energy
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.
| ↑1 | “Dolmeci, D. (2005). Oxidative stress, male infertility and the role of carnitines. Folia Medica. Volume 47, Issue 1, (pp. 26-30).” |
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| ↑2 | “Showell, M. et.al. (2011). Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 1, Art No: CD007411.” |
| ↑3 | “Armed, S. et.al. (2011). Role of L-carnitine in male infertility. The Journal of Pakistan Medical Association. Volume 61, Issue 8, (pp. 732-6).” |
| ↑4 | Vitali, G. et.al. (1995). Carnitine supplementation in human idiopathic asthenospermia: clinical results. Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research. Volume 21, Issue 4, (pp. 157-9).” |
| ↑5 | Cavallini, G. et.al. (2004). Cinnoxicam and L-carnitine/acetyl-L-carnitine treatment for idiopathic and varicocele-associated oligoasthenospermia. Journal of Andrology. Volume 25, Issue 5, (pp. 761-70).” |
| ↑6 | “Costa, M. et.al. (1994). L-carnitine in idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a multicenter study. Italian Study Group on Carnitine and Male Infertility. Andrologia. Volume 26, Issue 3, (pp. 155-9).” |
Glutathione
One of the most powerful antioxidants in the body, glutathione helps to protect sperm health. Similar to carnitine, this amino acid reduces oxidative stress. Research has shown that sub-fertile males tend to have lower concentrations of glutathione compared with fertile males[1]“Shamsi, M. et.al. (2009). DNA integrity and semen quality in men with low seminal antioxidant levels. Mutation Research. Volume 665, Issue 1-2, (pp. 29-36).”.
Supplementation with this amino acid can help to enhance sperm motility and morphology, improving overall fertility[2]“Lenzi, A. et.al. (1993). Placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial of glutathione therapy in male infertility. Human Reproduction. Volume 8, Issue 10, (pp. 1657-62).”,[3]“Tremellen, K. (2008). Oxidative stress and male infertility – a clinical perspective. Human Reproduction Update. Volume 14, Issue 3, (pp. 243-58).”. Given that oxidative stress is a key factor in male sub-fertility, supplementation with glutathione is a very important treatment component.
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.
| ↑1 | “Shamsi, M. et.al. (2009). DNA integrity and semen quality in men with low seminal antioxidant levels. Mutation Research. Volume 665, Issue 1-2, (pp. 29-36).” |
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| ↑2 | “Lenzi, A. et.al. (1993). Placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial of glutathione therapy in male infertility. Human Reproduction. Volume 8, Issue 10, (pp. 1657-62).” |
| ↑3 | “Tremellen, K. (2008). Oxidative stress and male infertility – a clinical perspective. Human Reproduction Update. Volume 14, Issue 3, (pp. 243-58).” |
Arginine
Sperm contains a high concentration of arginine. It is required by sperm to produce the compounds spermidine, putrescine and spermine. Sperm formed in the absence of sufficient arginine is typically abnormal and unable to facilitate fertilisation. Supplementation with this amino acid can help to enhance healthy sperm count and boost fertility[1]“Aydin, S. et.al. (1995). The role of arginine, indomethacin and kallikrein in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia. International Urology and Nephrology. Volume 27, Issue 2, (pp. 199-202).”.
In addition to the involvement in sperm production, arginine is also important for sperm motility. Studies have found that this amino acid helps to convert glycol into energy needed to support forward motion of the spermatocyte flagellum, thus increasing the potential for fertilisation[2]“Keller, D. and Polakoski, K. (1975). L-Arginine Stimulation of Human Sperm Motility in vitro. Biology of Reproduction. Volume 13, Issue 2, (pp. 154-7).”,[3]“Patel, A. et.al. (1998). Arginine activates glycolysis of goat epididymal spermatozoa: an NMR study. Biophysical Journal. Volume 73, Issue 3, (pp.1522-28).”.
Indirectly arginine also supports male fertility due to its critical role in the production of nitric oxide (NO). This gas assists with regulating blood flow and enhancing circulation. Insufficient NO can cause erectile dysfunction[4]“Burnett. A. (2006). The role of nitric oxide in erectile dysfunction: implications for medical therapy. Journal of Clinical Hypertension. Volume 12, Issue 4, (pp. 53-62).”. Research has found that arginine supplementation can help to treat erectile dysfunction and improve fertility[5]“Chen, J. et.al. (1999). Effect of oral administration of high-dose nitric oxide donor L-arginine in men with organic erectile dysfunction: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled … Continue reading.
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.
| ↑1 | “Aydin, S. et.al. (1995). The role of arginine, indomethacin and kallikrein in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia. International Urology and Nephrology. Volume 27, Issue 2, (pp. 199-202).” |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | “Keller, D. and Polakoski, K. (1975). L-Arginine Stimulation of Human Sperm Motility in vitro. Biology of Reproduction. Volume 13, Issue 2, (pp. 154-7).” |
| ↑3 | “Patel, A. et.al. (1998). Arginine activates glycolysis of goat epididymal spermatozoa: an NMR study. Biophysical Journal. Volume 73, Issue 3, (pp.1522-28).” |
| ↑4 | “Burnett. A. (2006). The role of nitric oxide in erectile dysfunction: implications for medical therapy. Journal of Clinical Hypertension. Volume 12, Issue 4, (pp. 53-62).” |
| ↑5 | “Chen, J. et.al. (1999). Effect of oral administration of high-dose nitric oxide donor L-arginine in men with organic erectile dysfunction: results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. BJU International. Volume 83, Issue 3, (pp. 269-73).” |
Click on the links below to learn more about amino acids and how they affect fertility
References
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.
