Keep your sperm healthy!!!!

Fat can damage your sperm – but what can you do to help it?
National Infertility Awareness Week starts on the 22nd April and I think it's about time we focused on
what men can do to improve their chances of conceiving. A recent article in the Daily Mail has caught my
eye as it highlights the need for further understanding about sperm health.

Approximately 50% of the cases of male infertility are linked to problems with sperm quality, which has
been declining over the last 60 years due to a combination of lifestyle, environmental and dietary factors.
The latest news reported in the Daily Mail (14/03/12) focuses on the dietary impact, revealing that excess
saturated fat consumption, and being overweight in general, will damage sperm.

The study published in the journal Human Reproduction has found that men who consume high
amounts of saturated fat have lower sperm count and quality. Conversely, those who consume healthy
essential fats, such as omega-3, found in fish oil, have better quality sperm.

The article suggests that, there are 'few ways of improving sperm quality for men who are sub-fertile', but
I think there are two key nutrients that have been seriously overlooked by this article.

Firstly, there's selenium. This is an essential mineral and many of us in the UK are deficient thanks to
modern farming methods and poor diet. Selenium plays an important part in our immune system, but
it's equally vital for semen quality. It's important to ensure the little swimmers are healthy and in
plentiful supply. It's worth noting that the EFSA (European Food Standards Agency) has recently
recognised the importance of selenium in maintaining normal sperm production.

Coming in a close second to selenium is one of my favourite nutrients of all time: Coenzyme Q10. I am a
huge advocate of this vitamin-like substance. It really is the elixir of life! Many people will know coQ10
from its popularity with heart patients and statin users, but its fundamental function is to supply every
one of our 100 trillion cells with energy – and that includes sperm cells! By having appropriate energy
levels, the sperm can move more effectively and efficiently. This improved motility gives them a greater
chance of winning the race!

Sources of selenium and coQ10 from food are generally poor if you want to reach optimum levels.
However, you can consider adding brazil nuts to your diet for extra selenium as well as plenty of liver and
oily mackerel for your Q10.

Supplementation makes more sense here. Men can take their vitamins when their partner takes hers.
Pharma Nord make the unique B-Daddy supplement. What I like about this product is that it's made
using high quality Japanese coQ10 and Pharma Nord's very own SelenoPrecise organic selenium yeast –
the World's best. As is always the case with Pharma Nord's range, it is beautifully blister packed and
made to pharmaceutical standards, ensuring quality.

I think that by adding selenium and coQ10 to a healthy diet and exercise regime, sub-fertile men can
further enhance their baby-making odds. So think quality and motility!

Good luck to all the fathers-to-be!
Dennis