Vitamin C is the key for men taking baby steps

Middle-aged men wanting to become fathers should up their vitamin C intake, according to a new study.

Researchers found men aged 44 or over who took more micronutrients – such as vitamin C, E, folate and zinc – had healthier sperm. However, the diet had no effect on the sperm of younger men.

The study, led by scientists from the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, found a healthy intake of micronutrients was strongly associated with improved sperm DNA quality in older men. However, in younger men a higher intake of micronutrients did not improve their sperm DNA.

In an analysis of healthy male volunteers between 22 and 80 years old, scientists found men older than 44 who consumed the most vitamin C had 20 per cent less sperm DNA damage compared to men older than 44 who consumed the least vitamin C. The same was true for vitamin E, zinc, and folate.

Study leader Andy Wyrobek said: “This means men who are at increased risk of sperm 
DNA damage because of advancing age can do something 
about it.”