Amino acids are the chemical building blocks of protein in the body. These life-sustaining nutrients are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, and evidence suggests that they may have an influential impact on sperm quality.

Animal experiments show that the amino acid arginine can block and reverse agents that prevent the breakdown of sugars in spermatoza, thus creating greater metabolic activity as well as increased energy supply in sperm cells.1 A recent treatment trial of L-arginine for a group of fifteen infertile men with low or absent sperm counts resulted in a 20% rate of pregnancy initiation. L-arginine has been shown to increase sperm motility--their ability to move and thus successfully fertilize the egg--as well as sperm count.2,3 Men with abnormal sperm quality often have deficiencies of arginine in their semen.4,5

Carnitine is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in the metabolic processes that fuel heart and muscle tissue. Research shows that carnitine has strong potential for treating male fertility.6 In men with asthenozoospermia (a term originating from the Greek for "weakened seed"), sperm do not move as forcefully or energetically as they should. An Italian treatment center found that when 100 men with this condition stemming from unknown causes were given L-carnitine, the velocity, linear progression and other important parameters of sperm movement increased significantly, as did actual sperm count.7

B-vitamin deficiency is another important factor linked to male infertility, particularly vitamin B12. Because B-vitamins are used as co-factors in amino acid metabolism, levels of biomarkers such as homocysteine can provide important information about the functional adequacy of B-vitamins in the body.

The Amino Acids Analysis Measures more than 40+ analytes, providing information on a wide spectrum of metabolic and nutritional disorders.

References:

1 Patel AB, Srivastava S, Phadke RS, Govil G. Arginine acts as a protective and reversal agent against glycolytic inhibitors in spermatozoa. Physiol Chem Phys Med NMR 1999;31(1):29-40.

2 Aydin S, Inci O, Alagol B. The role of arginine, indomethacin and kallikrein in the treatment of oligoasthenospermia. Int Urol Nephrol 1995;27(2):199-202.

3 Scibona M, Meschini P, Capparelli S, Pecori C, Rossi P, Menchini Fabris GF [L-arginine and male infertility] [Italian]Minerva Urol Nefrol 1994 Dec;46(4):251-3.

4 Papp G, Grof J, Menyhart J. The role of basic amino acids of the seminal plasma in fertility. Int Urol Nephrol 1983;15(2):195-203.

5 Papp G, Grof J, Molnar J, Jambor E. [Importance of arginine content and arginase activity in fertility]. [German] Andrologia 1979 Jan;11(1):37-41.

6 Kelly GS. L-Carnitine: therapeutic applications of a conditionally-essential amino acid. Altern Med Rev 1998 Oct;3(5):345-60.

7 Costa M, Canale D, Filicori M, D'lddio S, Lenzi A. L-carnitine in idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a multicenter study. Italian Study Group on Carnitine and Male Infertility. Andrologia 1994 May-Jun;26(3):155-9.

8 Sinclair S. Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations. Altern Med Rev 2000 Feb;5(1):28-38.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.