The relationship between trace elements and sexual function: the effects of zinc, copper, and lead on semen quality

98. The relationship between trace elements and sexual ability

Trace elements have a significant impact on human health, as every man knows, but if asked about their impact on sexual ability, many men probably wouldn't know how to answer.

Trace elements are closely related to male reproductive system diseases, sex hormone secretion, and sexual function. Studies have found that changes in elements such as copper, zinc, iron, manganese, and lead are strongly associated with male infertility. Of course, much more about the impact of trace elements on sexual ability is still being revealed.

The relationship between zinc and sexual ability

Zinc is one of the most familiar and essential trace elements, serving as a crucial assistant to over 100 enzymes in the human body. Zinc deficiency can impair the function of many enzymes. It is closely related to the metabolic activities of the reproductive system, particularly the activity of various dehydrogenases in the reproductive organs. Both insufficient and excessive zinc levels can lead to various health problems, sometimes severe. Although the amount of zinc in the human body is extremely small, typically only 3 grams, its functions are irreplaceable by any other substance.

A normal male's semen contains approximately 140 micrograms of zinc per milliliter, which is nearly 100 times higher than the zinc content in blood plasma. Higher zinc levels in semen can significantly enhance sexual function, while zinc deficiency can negatively impact sexual performance.

The effects of zinc on male fertility are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

(1) Zinc affects sperm density. There is a positive correlation between zinc levels and sperm density. Male infertility patients with low sperm density generally have low zinc levels. Men should supplement zinc according to their actual needs to increase sperm density. Increasing zinc levels will continuously increase the total number of sperm, which has a good therapeutic effect on infertility.

(2) Zinc affects sperm motility. The key to male fertility is sperm motility; once sperm loses its motility, even a large quantity will not result in conception. The zinc content in the seminal plasma of men with low sperm motility is 70.31±25.28 micrograms per milliliter, while that of men with normal sperm motility is 87.58±59.88 micrograms per milliliter. The difference is significant, indicating a very close relationship between zinc and sperm motility. Zinc also directly participates in sperm production, maturation, activation, and capacitation; therefore, men should supplement their zinc intake in a timely manner.

The effect of copper in semen on sperm quality

Copper is an active component of certain enzymes in the human body and is also one of the essential trace elements. The effects of copper on sperm differ significantly from those of zinc. There is a negative correlation between copper levels in the body and sperm motility; that is, the higher the copper content, the lower the sperm motility and the slower the movement. Copper offers no benefit to sperm. Increased copper concentration not only adversely affects sperm physiological function but also significantly impacts male fertility by interfering with the secretory function of pituitary glands. Copper's effects on sperm are multifaceted. It also inhibits sperm respiration, leading to reduced sperm survival rate and decreased motility. As a result, the vast majority of sperm become "defeated soldiers," losing their ability to penetrate the egg for fertilization and their ability to move linearly.

The effect of lead on semen quality

Lead is extremely harmful to semen, a fact that every man knows. Its main effects are reducing sperm viability and damaging sperm motility, causing some normally normal sperm to become listless and lose their "fighting power," and leading to a significant increase in the number of abnormal sperm.

The main sources of zinc are zinc-rich foods, such as animal liver, oysters, fish, peanuts, milk, eggs, fruits, and meats. Middle-aged men who want to enhance their sexual function can appropriately increase their intake of these foods.