Evidence suggests that zinc plays an important role in human reproduction. In particular, zinc may be essential for the male reproductive system. A number of studies have investigated the effects of zinc supplements on male reproductive function and these results have evidenced its pivotal effects. Another way to evidence the role of zinc in male reproductive function is to deplete human subjects of zinc and then to monitor their reproductive systems. For example, in one study researchers fed a number of controlled diets to male subjects and each diet varied in the amount of zinc that it contained. The concentrations of zinc in the diet were 1.4, 2.5, 3.4, 4.4 or 10.4 mg per day, with all of these doses on the low to normal intake for human needs. Each diet was consumed in a random order for 35 days, with the final 35 day period containing the 10.4 mg per day dose for every subject. Compared to the 10.4 mg per day diet, the 1.4, 2.5 and 3.4 mg per day diets caused a decrease in the zinc content of the semen of the subjects. In the 1.4 mg per day dose, each ejaculate contained 9 % of the body’s total zinc concentration. In addition the subjects consuming 1.4 mg per day zinc experienced a decrease in semen volume and serum testosterone concentrations.
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Hunt, C. D., Johnson, P. E., Herbel, J. and Mullen, L. K. 1992. Effects of dietary zinc depletion on seminal volume and zinc loss, serum testosterone concentrations, and sperm morphology in young men. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 56(1): 148-157
