Measurement of Serum Zinc Levels Following the Use of Oral Medications and Supplements and Their Effects on Semen Characteristics in Male Infertility Patients.

Plain-language summary

This study set out to see if taking oral medications or zinc supplements affects zinc levels in the blood and whether that links to better sperm health or fertility outcomes in men with infertility. It looked at over 4,300 men visiting a fertility clinic, measuring their blood zinc levels and tracking semen quality and pregnancy rates after assisted reproductive technology. The study found no link between blood zinc levels and sperm count, motility, or pregnancy success, whether men were taking medications, herbal remedies, or zinc supplements.

Key findings

• No correlation between serum zinc levels and sperm count or motility.
• No significant difference in zinc levels between men taking medications, supplements, or nothing.
• Pregnancy rates were higher in men with normal semen, but zinc levels did not affect outcomes.