Caffeine and a man's fertility - Ask the experts: answers to your questions from the Leaders in Natural Medicine

Natural Health, Sept, 2003

I've heard that caffeine decreases sperm count. Is that true? Do any foods increase sperm count?

ROBERT ANDERSON, M.D., REPLIES: Caffeine's effect on your sperm count depends on the health of your reproductive system. If you have a low sperm count, caffeine may increase your fertility. If your sperm count is normal, however, caffeine might decrease your chances of impregnating your partner.

If you already drink coffee and your sperm count is low, I would stop for a month and have your sperm count retested to see if it increases. If you don't consume coffee and your count is low, drink two cups a day for a month and get retested.

Studies haven't proved that any specific foods increase sperm count. Nonetheless, I encourage you to eat a healthy diet. You should include five or more servings of fruits and vegetables, three servings of beans and whole grains, and a small handful of nuts daily. Sperm samples from men with low sperm counts and poor sperm movement tend to have low levels of fructose, the sugar found in most fruits and vegetables. Whole grains, beans, and nuts provide nutrients that are proven to boost sperm quantity and quality. And choose organically grown foods; pesticides have been shown to lower sperm counts.

The following supplements can better fertility, according to research. You can safely take all of them together. Wait three months before having your sperm count tested for improvements.

Vitamin B12: Good sperm counts depend on this vitamin. Take 100 to 300 mcg daily.

Vitamin C: This nutrient improves sperm quality. Take 1,000 mg daily.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E increases the pregnancy rate in couples who are having trouble conceiving. Take 400 IU of natural vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) daily.

Selenium: Supplementation improves sperm counts and the quality of sperm activity. Take 200 mcg daily.

Zinc: A deficiency in zinc, common in Americans, is associated with male infertility. Supplementing improves sperm activity and impregnation rates. Take 50 mg daily.

Arginine: This amino acid improves sperm counts. Take 4 g daily with food.