Tag: Infertility

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Selenium and Male Fertility

Important question: Does selenium play a role in male reproductive health? If so, how?

Man working out with weights
Roughly one in ten men in the USA and in Europe have infertility issues. The extent varies from region to region. Selenium supplementation in selenium-poor regions can improve with sperm morphology and sperm motility.

A 2026 review of the relevant research literature shows the following relationships. A daily intake of selenium at the rate of 100 mcg per day led to significantly improved sperm motility. The same daily 100-mcg intake was associated with an 11 % increase in paternity. Thus, it seems that selenium does play an important role in male fertility. Selenium has dose-dependent antioxidant and endocrine functions [Patel 2026].

How does selenium status improve male fertility?

Sufficient selenium intake and status lead to optimal synthesis of selenoproteins, in particular selenoprotein P and the glutathione peroxidases. These antioxidant selenium-dependent enzymes protect mitochondrial function and sperm membranes against oxidative damage. Specifically, they catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides [Patel 2026]. read more

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Selenium Status and Male Infertility

Storck bringing baby
Without optimal selenium status, the stork cannot bring the baby.  Selenium supplementation can improve male performance in reproduction by protecting immature spermatozoa and by improving sperm motility.

Approximately 50% of the problems in couples unable to conceive are caused by male infertility. Something like two percent of all men have sub-optimal sperm parameters [Kumar and Singh 2015]:

  • low sperm concentration
  • poor sperm motility
  • abnormal sperm cell morphology
  • or combinations thereof

Selenium Status and Male Infertility

The role of selenium in male infertility has not been fully explained. However, some data show that selenium plays a role in the protection of sperm cells against oxidative stress [Buhling 2019].

In particular, the selenoproteins glutathione peroxidase GPx4 and selenoprotein P are essential to the process of sperm development and male fertility [Rayman 2012].

      • In the testes, the GPx4 selenoproteins protect immature spermatozoa cells against oxidative damage.
      • GPx4 selenoproteins are also important for good sperm motility.
      • Selenoprotein P supplies selenium to the testes.

      Selenium is a trace mineral that is essential for many important processes in the human body. Selenium is incorporated into enzymes that function as antioxidants. The balance between protective antioxidants and harmful free radicals in cells plays a decisive role in the prevention of disease [Rayman 2002]. read more