By Dr. S. P. Pradhan
Zinc is positively linked to male sexual dysfunction affecting the testosterone level. It along with other micronutrients affect male reproductive health.
Physiological Role of Zinc in Male Sexual Function
Zinc is an essential micronutrient required for many physiological processes. Its deficiency has been associated with various pathological conditions. Zinc stabilizes membranes, inhibits NADPH-oxidase, and induces metallothionein synthesis, contributing to the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system and protecting cells against oxidative damage .
Zinc provides structural stability to cell membrane and exerts anti-inflammatory activities. Zinc has been shown to maintain optimal testosterone levels. It helps in suppressing inflammation and maintaining penile endothelial function; thus promoting erectile function and male sexual activity .
Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction doesn’t always involve abnormal levels of testosterone. It may be linked to heart disease, diabetes, central nervous system disorders, injuries, and stress. Insufficient testosterone or hypogonadism can cause erectile dysfunction. This may be linked back to zinc deficiency.
Testosterone levels decrease naturally with age and zinc can have a dramatic impact on testosterone levels in those with zinc deficiency. Zinc supplements help with erectile dysfunction by changing the testosterone level.
Zinc treatments improve the body’s natural levels of testosterone with zinc deficiency.
What is the Role of Zinc in Sperm Count?
Zinc plays such a vital role in sperm development. Increased zinc levels can positively affect sperm quality. Zinc has been shown to have a direct effect on several different sperm parameters.
Results of the different meta-analysis studies of zinc and male fertility showed that zinc supplementation significantly increased sperm volume, sperm motility, and percentage of normal sperm morphology.
Study results indicated that the seminal plasma zinc concentrations from infertile males were significantly lower than those from normal controls . The present study showed that the zinc level in the seminal fluid of infertile males was significantly lower than that of normal males. Zinc supplementation can significantly increase the sperm quality of infertile males.
Serum testosterone concentrations were significantly correlated with cellular zinc concentrations as found in the cross-sectional studies.
A 2016 study also found that a supplement containing zinc, and the Rhodiola rosea extract improved the ejaculatory control of those affected by premature ejaculation.
Zinc therapy improves sexual competence of male rats; the effect is dose dependent.
Zinc Requirements
In adult males the daily requirement is 11 mg per day. In women it is 8 milligrams per day.
Sources are meat, chicken, nuts, whole grains, legumes. Zinc supplements are available as zinc gluconate, zinc sulfate, or zinc acetate.
Overdose of Zinc
Excess of zinc than the recommended dietary allowance result in diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. The maximum amount of daily zinc consumption should be limited to 40 milligrams per day.
