ZincDoes zinc improve sperm quality and male fertility?
Updated 10 Nov 2026
Short answer
Not in a large trial. In the US, 2,370 couples planning fertility treatment took part. The men took 5 mg of folic acid and 30 mg of zinc a day, or a placebo, for 6 months.[1] Live births were similar: 34% with the supplement and 35% with placebo.[1]
Most measures of sperm quality did not change. DNA damage in sperm was slightly higher with the supplement (29.7% against 27.2%).[1] Stomach pain, nausea and vomiting were more common with the supplement. The authors concluded that the results do not support folic acid and zinc for male partners in fertility treatment.[1]
Sources (1)
- Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Schisterman EF, Sjaarda LA, Clemons T, Carrell DT, Perkins NJ, Johnstone E, et al. JAMA, 2020. PMID 31910279
More about zinc
What is zinc?Which foods contain zinc?What is zinc used for?What are the signs of zinc deficiency?Is zinc safe?Do zinc lozenges help with colds?For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.