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Diet
& Nutrition Selenium
Surveys
Selenium
improves sperm quality
Selenium is an essential trace element and an important anti-oxidant that,
according to a number of research papers, is associated with the treatment
and prevention of cancer, heart disease and AIDS. However, according to a
new Scottish research trial, selenium has been shown to be a particularly
important nutrient in over-coming male infertility.
96 men were divided into
eight groups in a double-blind, placebo-co3ntrolled study. All of the men
received either a composite tablet containing selenium and selected
vitamins and minerals (Bio-Selenium + Zinc) or a placebo tablet to be
taken daily for a period of three months. This means’ sperm quality was
recorded before and after the study and the results showed that the
motility of sperm cells in the treatment groups had increased by as much
as 80 per cent, but when the men stopped taking the tablet, their sperm
cell quality was seen to fall again.
In the UK, it is estimated
that 20 per cent of couples living together are childless and the average
daily intake of selenium is 31 micrograms per day (the recommended daily
intake is 60-70 micrograms) .This study indicates that selenium is a
particularly important nutrient in male infertility and should be
considered as part of the treatment of childless couples. A daily intake
of 130 micrograms per day was found to be the required dosage to produce
optimal improvement in sperm quality.
Source : Alternative in
Health V.2 I.4 May/June 1997
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This page was last updated on 25 October 2006 15:44:38
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