Vitamin C and Fertility

Consistent with a study conducted at the University of Texas Medical School at Galveston, inadequate amounts of vitamin C in a man’s diet can lead to agglutination of sperm. Agglutination happens when sperm cells clump together, thus inhibiting maximal progression or movement of the sperm. In accordance with Dr. Earl Dawson M.D., Ph.D., associate professor at the U of Texas at Galveston, vitamin C is as well helpful in smokers who have increased amounts of unusually formed sperm. Cigarette smoke is absorbed through the lungs and enters the circulatory system (bloodstream). Once the toxins reach the bloodstream they locate their way to the semen and this can lead to less than optimal sperm count and function. It is believed that vitamin C helps to defuse the toxic effects of cigarette smoke on the sperm. When sperm stick jointly (a condition called agglutination), fertility is reduced. Vitamin C reduces sperm agglutination, raising the fertility of men with this condition. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C is 60 milligams per day used for an adult male. According to Dr. Dawson intake of 200 to 1000 milligrams per day had a valuable effect on sperm.

Women should keep away from megadoses of vitamin C because it can dry up cervical fluid, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Limit the amount you take to the dose had in your prenatal vitamin.