Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Male Infertility
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Zinc | 60 mg (plus 2 mgof copper, to prevent depletion) daily |  [3 stars] Zinc deficiency leads to reduced numbers of sperm and impotence in men. Taking zinc may correct this problem and improve sperm quality. |
Arginine | 4 grams daily |  [2 stars] The amino acid arginine is needed to produce sperm. Research shows that several months of L-arginine supplementation increases sperm count, quality, and fertility. |
Asian Ginseng | 4 grams daily | [2 stars] One preliminary study found that men who took Asian ginseng had an improvement in sperm count and sperm motility. |
L-Carnitine | 3 grams daily | [2 stars] L-carnitine appears to be necessary for normal functioning of sperm cells. Supplementing with it may improve sperm motility. |
Maca | 1,500 to 3,000 mg daily | [2 stars] A small clinical trial found that healthy men who took dried maca powder had increased sperm counts and enhanced sperm motility. |
Selenium | 100 mcg daily | [2 stars] In a study of infertile men with reduced sperm motility, supplementing with selenium significantly increased sperm motility. |
Vitamin B12 | 1,500 mcg daily | [2 stars] Vitamin B12 is needed to maintain fertility. Vitamin B12 injections have been shown to increase sperm counts. Men |
Acetyl-L-Carnitine | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Acetylcarnitine may be a useful for treatment of male infertility caused by low quantities of immobile sperm. |
Coenzyme Q10 | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] CoQ10 is a nutrient used by the body to produce energy. While its exact role in the formation of sperm is unknown, even small amounts appear to increase sperm count and motility. |
SAMe | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Preliminary research suggests that oral SAMe may also increase sperm activity in infertile men. |
Vitamin E | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin E supplementation appears to enhance fertility, possibly by decreasing free-radical damage to sperm cells. |
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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.