Vitamin C for Sperm Quality
Vitamin C reduces seminal oxidative stress with inconsistent parameter effects.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- 500-1000mg/day
- Expected timeframe
- 3-6 months
Protocol
- form
- Ascorbic acid, typically combined with vitamin E, selenium, zinc, CoQ10 or carnitine in fertility formulations
- duration
- 3 months, matching the spermatogenesis cycle
- co factor
- Evidence is insufficient. Vitamin C is concentrated in seminal plasma at levels around ten times those in blood, and oxidative stress contributes to sperm DNA fragmentation and impaired motility, which makes the rationale reasonable. Trials are the problem: the Cochrane review of antioxidants for male subfertility found low-quality evidence, most trials used multi-ingredient formulations that prevent attributing effects to vitamin C, and the largest well-conducted trial - the MOXI trial of an antioxidant formulation including vitamin C - found no improvement in semen parameters or live birth rates.
- titration
- Not applicable; the tolerable upper intake level is 2,000 mg/day
- starting dose
- Not established as a standalone intervention. Trials used 500-1,000 mg/day, usually within antioxidant combinations
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Vitamin C and Sperm Quality.
Safety
Caveats
Most useful where oxidative stress is high, such as smokers. Megadoses cause GI upset.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.