New supplement launched in SA to assist with male infertility
For many couples, starting a family happens naturally without any detailed planning or interventions.
Unfortunately, when trying to conceive, 15% of couples struggle and may need to seek medical advice about how to improve their chances of falling pregnant.1
Did you know that of the approximate 1 in 6 couples who are infertile, almost half of these cases can be attributed to a fertility issue in men?1
Male fertility is dependent on various factors, including:2
- Quantity – Too little sperm in an ejaculation might make it more difficult to get pregnant.
- Movement – Known as motility. A man is most likely to be fertile if at least 40% of his sperm are moving.
- Structure – Known as morphology. Normal sperm have oval heads and long tails, which work together to propel them. The more sperm a man has with a normal shape and structure, the more likely he is to be fertile.
For those wanting to start a family, they may be familiar with some of the dos and don’ts when it comes to increasing the quality of sperm. These include maintaining a healthy weight, following a healthy diet, preventing sexually transmitted diseases, managing stress, exercising, not smoking, limiting alcohol, avoiding lubricants during sex and even keeping the scrotum cool.2
How many of us know what oxidative stress is and the harmful effect this can have on sperm production?1
Simply put, oxidative stress is an imbalance between oxygen-containing molecules called free radicals, which react with other molecules in your body and antioxidants, which stabilise free radicals making them less reactive. Oxidation is a normal and necessary process that takes place, but oxidative stress occurs when there is a disparity between free radical activity and antioxidant activity.3
30% to 40% of infertile men in the United States have elevated levels of what medical science calls reactive oxygen species (ROS).1 Oxidative stress and ROS have been associated with reduced sperm motility, concentration and morphology or structure.1
Fortunately for the many men whose fertility may be affected by oxidative stress,1 an innovative new health supplement is now available in South Africa. SINOPOL® him contains the powerful antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid and myo-inositol, a vitamin-like substance,4 both shown to assist with the production of healthy sperm and support fertility by reducing oxidative stress, while also re-balancing testosterone and decreasing insulin resistance, yet another factor that can negatively affect sperm health.1,5,6,7
SINOPOL® him also contains coenzyme Q10, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B2, B6 and B12, all active ingredients designed to help support normal male fertility and reproductive health.5
We all produce some free radicals naturally in our bodies through processes like exercise or inflammation. This is normal and part of our body’s complex way of keeping itself healthy. We are also exposed to free radicals daily in the environment from the ozone, certain pesticides and cleaners, cigarette smoke, radiation, and pollution. A diet high in sugar, fat, and alcohol can also contribute to increased free radical production.
While it is impossible to completely avoid free radical exposure and oxidative stress, is it important to try and increase your levels of antioxidants and decrease the formation of these harmful free radicals. One way is to make sure that you get enough antioxidants in your diet. Eating five servings per day of a variety of fruits and vegetables is essential in providing your body what it needs to produce antioxidants.3
Adopting healthy lifestyle practices to promote fertility, and avoiding things that can damage it, may improve a couple’s chances of conceiving. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about SINOPOL® him, which is now available in the vitamin aisle at leading pharmacies without a prescription. This supplement has been shown to be well tolerated and is taken as 1-2 sachets daily, at least an hour before meals. For optimal results, take 2 sachets daily, 10 hours apart.5
References:
1 Agarwal A, Virk G, Ong C, et al. Effect of oxidative stress on male reproduction. World J Mens Health. 2014;32(1):1-17.
2 Mayo Clinic. Getting pregnant. c2020. Available from:https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility/art-20047584. Accessed 29 July 2020.
3 Everything you should know about oxidative stress. c2018. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress#takeaway. Accessed 29 July 2020.
4 Web MD. c2020) Available from: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-299/inositol. Accessed 29 July 2020.
5 Sinopol® him approved package insert, October 2019.
6 Canepa P, Dal Lago A, De Leo C, et al. Combined treatment with myo-inositol, alpha-lipoic acid, folic acid and vitamins significantly improves sperm parameters of sub-fertile men: a multi-centric study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2018;22:7078-85.
7 Konrad D, Somwar R, Sweeney G, et al. The antihyperglycemic drug a-lipoic acid stimulates glucose uptake via both GLUT4 translocation and GLUT4 activation. Potential role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in GLUT4 activation. Diabetes. 2001;50:1464-71.