By Linda Woolven and Ted Snider, The Natural Path
Male infertility is responsible for half of all infertility cases. Research is increasingly identifying oxidative stress as a leading cause. That holds out the promise that antioxidants could help.
Varicocele is a condition in which poor blood flow leads to oxidative stress, which leads to damaged sperm and infertility. About 40% of all men with infertility have varicocele.
This just published study included 900 men between the ages of 20 and 45 who had varicocele. It found three intriguing things.
First, men with varicocele do not get enough protein, omega-3 EFA’s, vitamins A, C, D, and E and the minerals zinc, selenium, magnesium, and iron. Men with the most severe condition consistently got even less than the men with milder conditions. Men with the most severe varicocele ate significantly less fruits and vegetables.
Second, the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and selenium significantly improved sperm concentration, and vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc significantly improved sperm motility.
Third, increased levels of vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc significantly increased chances of conception.
This important study shows a link between antioxidants and male infertility and suggests that getting more antioxidants can improve fertility in men, particularly, in this study, those with varicocele.
Source
Front. Nutr. July 2026;13:1832900.
Find it at Nutrition World
The antioxidants in this study, from several brands:
- Vitamin C: Bluebonnet Vitamin C 1000 mg and Bluebonnet Vitamin C Crystals (tablets or a powder)
- Vitamin E: Bluebonnet Full Spectrum Vitamin E Complex and NOW Foods Vitamin E-400 D-Alpha (full-spectrum or d-alpha forms)
- Zinc: Bluebonnet Chelated Zinc 30 mg and Solgar Zinc 50 mg (two strengths)
Browse the full men's health collection, or stop by the store at 2401 PGA Blvd in Palm Beach Gardens and we'll help you compare labels. Questions? Call (561) 626-4377.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.