Zinc: what is its importance for fertility?

Around 9% of couples face fertility problems in which dietary zinc status and/or zinc dysregulation may play an important role [1].

DNA synthesis is important for the development of sperm and oocytes (the reproductive cells that can develop into eggs). Several enzymes involved in DNA synthesis are zinc-dependent. Disruptions to the oxidative pathway play a role in the pathogenesis of subfertility, and zinc is involved in the oxidative pathway. Furthermore, zinc-binding proteins are implicated in the genetic expression of steroid hormone receptors [2]. 

Our food supplement to support conception Ovo+, specially developed to support oocyte quality, embryonic development and fertility, contains: zinc, coenzyme Q10, NAC and tryptophan. 

Animal studies have shown that zinc deficiency reduces the absorption and metabolism of dietary folates [9] due to its cofactor function for folate-metabolising enzymes such as dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and γ-glutamyl hydrolase. 

A study observed that in cases of zinc deficiency, a low mean percentage of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (the active form of folates) in total hepatic folates and a low plasma folate concentration were observed in the zinc-deficient group compared with control groups [10].
 

Zinc is a cofactor of methionine synthase (responsible for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine; homocysteine being linked to neural tube defects [11]) and betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (also involved in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine from betaine derived from choline) [12]. 

The effect of zinc on homocysteine levels may explain the finding of a study showing that low maternal zinc levels have been associated with a risk of developing a neural tube defect in the foetus [13]. It is therefore important to ensure optimal zinc intake from the conception period onwards, as the neural tube forms very early in pregnancy. 

Mammals do not have a tissue that can act as a zinc reserve to store or supply zinc in response to dietary zinc availability. Therefore, an adequate and regular intake of dietary zinc is necessary to balance losses through excretion and maintain normal zinc balance [14].

Dietary sources of zinc

Your zinc intake can come from a variety of foods: 
Seafood such as oysters 
Animal products, particularly white meat and poultry
Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds
Flaxseed oil
Oats
Cashew nuts 
Whole grains 
Willow pollen is also very interesting.

Zinc supplements

Amino acids conjugated to zinc (such as zinc bisglycinate) may offer an advantage over conventional zinc supplements such as zinc salts, as they may be able to increase the bioavailability of zinc [15].

Studies show that the bisglycinate form is better absorbed than the gluconate form [16], which has an absorption equivalent to the citrate form and superior to the oxide form [17].

Cocooning+, our fertility supplement, contains plants to support ovulation as well as zinc to boost fertility!

Our range of pregnancy food supplement, Baby Bump, Bump essentials and Bump powder, multivitamins for conception and pregnancy, cover 50% of daily zinc requirements and are compatible with taking Cocooning+.

Be careful with self-supplementation: excess zinc, although rare, can be harmful. Symptoms can range from nausea and headaches in cases of acute zinc toxicity to reduced immune function and neuropathy in cases of chronic excess zinc. Doses as low as 50 mg in adults can have an emetic effect (causing vomiting) [18].

Zinc is an important mineral during the conception period. Studies show it is involved in the development of oocytes and the embryo.

Zinc status also influences folate status, as zinc deficiency reduces the absorption and metabolism of dietary folates.

Please do not self-supplement — food supplements are not without risk, and may interfere with other supplements, foods, or medications, or may not be suited to your personal situation. Choosing the right ones and adjusting dosages also requires care. It is therefore advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare practitioner specialised in nutrition (such as a naturopath or nutritional therapist), particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.