Conception nutrition
My 31-year-old daughter has been trying to conceive for five years. Her husband has now been told he has both a low sperm count and low motility. Is there anything he can do to improve this?
The good news is that yes, there are several natural agents that have been used, specifically, to improve both sperm count and motility. Most couples, for example, already know to cut out alcohol and smoking to improve chances of conception, but few will know that both the man and woman should take Folic acid (400mcg daily) before conception - her to prevent neural tube defects in the foetus and him to improve the quality of sperm.
Zinc plays a key role in reproductive health in both sexes, and men with fertility problems should take a daily dose of 30mg, plus 1mg of copper to maintain the proper mineral balance. The other nutrient that has been shown to help improve sperm count and motility is vitamin B12. Again, men with poor sperm counts or motility should take 1,000 mcg (micrograms) a day.
Vitamin E is important to sperm health too. In one placebo-controlled trial of men whose sperm showed impaired activity, a daily dose of 100 International Units (IUs) of vitamin E resulted in healthier sperm and an increased rate of pregnancy. All these fertility-boosting supplements are widely on sale in good health stores and since research now shows that naturally-sourced vitamin E is more effective than synthetic forms, check this when you decide which brand to buy.
Your daughter should also take steps to increase her chances of conception by thinking about having weekly acupuncture sessions, since studies from China have shown how this can improve the chances of pregnancy by boosting the quality of the growing follicles from which the mature eggs will be released.
That said, since this couple have been trying for so long to conceive, I would also recommend they consult a qualified practitioner specialising in fertility, who can support them through any treatment regimen that will maximise their chances. The British Naturopathic Association (01458-840072) holds list of qualified naturopaths who combine nutrition, herbalism, and homeopathy in their treatment programmes.