Updated October 10, 2026
Can nutrients help male fertility? Some research suggests benefits for sperm movement, particularly in selected groups of men. But a better semen test does not automatically mean a higher chance of pregnancy or a live birth. The strongest next step is to understand what may be affecting fertility before choosing a supplement.
The American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine advise that supplements have uncertain clinical usefulness for male infertility, with insufficient evidence to recommend specific products or ingredients.1 That leaves room for research—and for treating a diagnosed nutrient deficiency—without treating a supplement as a proven fertility treatment.
Myo-inositol: promising findings, important limits
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis reported improvements in sperm motility, or movement, with myo-inositol. This is a useful signal for further research. However, the review included varied study designs, oral supplementation and laboratory treatment of sperm, so its findings do not identify one proven supplement dose or routine.2
The review also reported pregnancy outcomes, but its pooled pregnancy percentage was not a comparison showing that myo-inositol caused more pregnancies. It should not be read as proof of improved pregnancy or live-birth chances, or proof that a finished multi-ingredient product works.
Vitamin D: results from a specific group
In a small randomized trial, 86 infertile men with low sperm motility and vitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL received 4,000 IU of vitamin D₃ daily or a placebo for 12 weeks. Total motility rose by 5.06 percentage points in the vitamin D group and fell by 1.44 points with placebo. Sperm count, semen volume and sperm shape did not significantly improve.3
This supports further study in men with low vitamin D and low motility. It does not establish a benefit for men with adequate vitamin D, or demonstrate more pregnancies or live births. The studied dose is not a recommendation to self-treat; discuss testing and an appropriate dose with your clinician.
Zinc: more is not automatically better
A larger randomized trial enrolled 2,370 couples seeking infertility treatment. Men took 30 mg of elemental zinc plus 5 mg of folic acid daily, or placebo, for six months. Live births from pregnancies conceived within nine months occurred in 34% versus 35% of couples: a difference of −0.9 percentage points (95% confidence interval, −4.7 to 2.8). Most semen measures also did not improve.4
The trial tested a combination and did not select men for zinc deficiency. It does not answer whether treating a confirmed deficiency helps a particular person; it does challenge routine use of that combination as a fertility treatment.
What this means for Hormone Health
Hormone Health was developed for women. This article is not a recommendation for men to use it. Individual ingredient studies—including laboratory, animal or absorption research—do not establish that the finished formula improves male fertility. You can review the current Hormone Health ingredients and precautions for product information.
A practical next step
- Start with an evaluation. A reproductive history and semen analysis are recommended starting points. Abnormal results or suspected male infertility warrant assessment by a male reproductive specialist.5
- Evaluate both partners together. AUA/ASRM guidance recommends concurrent assessment so neither partner's care is delayed.5
- Bring your medication and supplement list. Discuss any suspected deficiencies and mention testosterone use: prescribed testosterone can suppress sperm production.1
A supplement trial should not delay finding a treatable cause. This article is educational and does not replace individualized medical advice.
References
- AUA/ASRM. Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men. Guideline, amended 2024. See also the accessible Part II guideline text.
- Ghaemi M, et al. The effect of myo-inositol on improving sperm quality and IVF outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Science & Nutrition. 2024;12:8515–8524.
- Maghsoumi-Norouzabad L, et al. The effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on spermatogram and endocrine factors in asthenozoospermia infertile men. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2021;19:102.
- Schisterman EF, et al. Effect of folic acid and zinc supplementation in men on semen quality and live birth among couples undergoing infertility treatment. JAMA. 2020;323:35–48.
- AUA/ASRM. Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: Part I. 2020.
