Vitamins and microelements that affect the state of the male reproductive system

Comprehensive analysis to determine body contents vitamins (A, C, B9, B12) and microelements (Se, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Co), is carried out with the aim of evaluating their balance and bringing it, if necessary, to the recommended values.

Male reproductive systemis represented by a set of organs that perform reproductive functions and provide the possibility of sexual reproduction. Being in close relationship with other systems and organs, the male reproductive system is important for the complete and uninterrupted functioning of the entire body. Normal functioning of the reproductive system is possible only with the beneficial influence of certain vitamins and microelements on it.

For the correct and harmonious functioning of the male reproductive system, a certain set of the most important microelements and vitamins is necessary. Not only deficiency, but also excess of nutrients have a negative impact on the activities of the reproductive system. Moreover, in the latter case, the effect of vitamins and microelements is similar to toxic substances.

The importance of microelements for the state of the male reproductive system

1. Selenium. It is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, which have a negative effect on the sperm production process. The trace element protects spermatozoa from damage and destruction, has a beneficial effect on sperm quality, ensures normal spermatogenesis and increases the volume of ejaculate. Selenium also prolongs reproductive age, increases libido and helps normalize blood circulation in the male genitals.
2. Manganese. Manganese affects sperm activity and is necessary for egg fertilization. The microelement participates in the body's metabolic processes and the production of hemoglobin. It ensures better absorption of vitamins, particularly vitamins C and B, important for the male reproductive system.
3. Nickel and chrome. The concentration of these microelements in the body is extremely low, but in their absence, the normal functioning of the male reproductive system is impossible. Nickel and chromium are involved in the formation of spermatozoa, are necessary for maintaining the structure of DNA and RNA and provide their protection against adverse effects, which is essential for the preservation of genetic informationand its transmission.
4. Zinc. Participates in the processes of synthesis of male sex hormones, improves the qualitative characteristics of sperm and has a beneficial effect on sperm motility. Prevents erectile dysfunction and prevents the development of prostate inflammation.
5. Iron. The main purpose of the microelement is associated with its inclusion in the composition of red blood cells and hemoglobin. Iron is needed to provide oxygen to all organs and tissues, including the cells of the reproductive system.
6. Cobalt.It is an integral part of DNA synthesis, participates in the process of hematopoiesis and increases iron absorption.

The importance of vitamins for the state of the male reproductive system  

1. Vitamin A. Ensures the normal course of testosterone synthesis, helps maintain potency and has a beneficial effect on the production of seminal fluid. Vitamin A, thanks to its inherent antioxidant effect, ensures the regeneration of cells of the male reproductive system, reliably protects them from the effects of toxic components and the development of inflammatory processes.
2. Vitamin Cparticipates in the process of testosterone production, has a beneficial effect on the synthesis of dopamine, on which libido depends. It improves blood circulation, increases the degree of elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and therefore is an effective means of preventing prostatitis.
3. Vitamin B9. Has a positive effect on the reproductive abilities of men. The vitamin is necessary for potency, participates in the process of sperm production, improves the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of seminal fluid and helps reduce the number of sperm with genetic mutations. Reduces the risk of developing male infertility and the birth of babies with serious genetic pathologies.
4. Vitamin B12. It is an indispensable participant in the process of hematopoiesis. Improves the quality of ejaculate and its quantity, increases sexual desire. Essential for the formation of healthy DNA. Vitamin B12 acts as an effective remedy for the prevention and treatment of erectile dysfunction or impotence.

When to prescribe a vitamin and microelement test?

Comprehensive analysis of the main microelements and vitamins necessary for the normal functioning of the male reproductive systemprescribe:

• when planning a pregnancy;
• during a preventive examination of a man;
• if the patient complains about the functioning of the reproductive system, including male infertility, the etiology of which has not been established;
• examination of men who have a high probability of microcomponent and vitamin deficiency (subject to vegan diets, the presence of concomitant diseases and bad habits, when diagnosing pathologies leading to blood loss.

Recommendations for preparing the study

Venous blood is used as biological material for testing. The recommended time to take the test is in the morning, from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. The blood sample must be taken on an empty stomach; on the day of the procedure, it is prohibited, along with eating, to drink any beverages, except for ordinary drinking water.  

For the reliability of research resultsStrict compliance with a number of recommendations is required:

• during the day before the test, the diet should be free from fried and fatty foods, because if fatty particles enter the bloodstream, the blood will not be suitable for diagnostic purposes;
• the day before blood sampling, it is necessary to exclude high physical activity. Heavy physical work, sports and various sports training are strictly prohibited. It is important to avoid emotional shocks, both negative and positive;
• One hour before collecting biological material, you should not smoke.

It should also be noted that the doctor must be informed of all medications taken before the test begins. The specialist must decide whether it is possible to continue treatment or whether it is necessary to temporarily suspend it.

If the patient undergoes instrumental examinations, such as X-ray examination, fluorography, as well as after undergoing surgical interventions, a massage session or physiotherapeutic procedures, it is recommended to donate blood to determine the concentrationof vitamins and microelements no earlier than after a week.

Research method

A blood test aimed at determining vitamins and microelements that affect the functioning of the male reproductive system is carried out in two stages. In a first step, carried out by liquid chromatography, the components of the sample of biological material seized are separated. In the second step, called mass spectrometry, the resulting components are analyzed, based on measuring the charges and mass of the molecules. This makes it possible to establish their elemental composition and determine the quantitative characteristics of nutrients.

What do the results mean?

The test result has a quantitative format. Individual reference values are provided for all microelements and vitamins to be studied.  

A decrease in performance may be caused by:

• nutritional deficiency of vitamins and microelements in the body;
• intestinal pathologies, a characteristic manifestation of which is a violation of the process of absorption of nutrients and their assimilation by the male body;
• smoking;
• alcoholism.

Increased performanceare caused, in the vast majority of cases, by excessive consumption of microelements and vitamins.  This is often observed when taking vitamin complexes.