MEN'S HEALTH SUPPORT
This protocol contains nutritional supplements that may help address health concerns particular to men:
Erectile Dysfunction
A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that evaluated the efficacy of L-arginine supplements for erectile dysfunction (ED) concluded that L-arginine supplements significantly improved ED compared with placebo. Moreover, the systematic review found that L-arginine supplements significantly improve intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, and erectile function. When side-effects from L-arginine use occurred (about 8.3% of the time in the studies reviewed), none were severe.
Sperm Quality: the effect of diet and nutrients
Human semen quality has declined in the past 40 years by up to 50% - 60%, particularly in developed countries, as a result of poor diet, lifestyle habits, and pollution. Infertility affects 15% of couples, and of these, male factors are responsible for 40% - 50% of cases. This 2019 systematic review found that certain nutrients, dietary supplements and antioxidants have a significant beneficial effect on sperm quality: selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), CoenzymeQ10 (CoQ10) and L-Carnitine.
A high-quality multivitamin like our Men's Multivitamin Softgels are an excellent way to get selenium and zinc at safe levels and balanced with other essential micro-nutrients.
But, dietary supplements alone cannot make up for a poor diet, stress and pollution. It would be better to have a diet rich in vegetables, nuts, fruits and healthy fats and proteins; and to avoid processed meat, soy foods, and excessive coffee, alcohol and sweetened beverages and desserts.
Testosterone levels: the importance of often-overlooked boron
The trace mineral boron, often overlooked and little-known in the medical field, plays a vitally important role in a multitude of human metabolic processes. The existence of boron, in fact, may be essential to the possibility of life on earth. In particular, boron up-regulates the sex hormones in both men and women. In men, supplementation with boron significantly increases free testosterone and decreases estradiol.
L-Carnitine, fatty acid transporter into mitochondria
L-carnitine is a conditionally necessary amino acid, whose function is to transport fatty acids into mitochrondria so that they can be converted into energy. The body can make small amounts of l-carnitine, but it must be obtained in the diet. The most abundant source of l-carnitine is red meat.
L-carnitine has numerous beneficial health effects:
- cardioprotective in a setting of acute myocardial infarction;
- neuroprotective in cerebrovascular ischemia;
- anti-atherosclerotic;
- antioxidant;
- anti-inflammatory;
- anti-insulin resistance;
- reduces fatty liver;
- reduces body weight and body fat percentage;
- reduces circulating triglycerides