Vitamin B12 and Semen Quality

Abstract

Various studies have revealed the effects of vitamin B12, also named cobalamin, on semen quality and sperm physiology; however, these studies collectively are still unsummarized. Here, we systematically discuss and summarize the currently understood role of vitamin B12 on semen quality and sperm physiology. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases for only English language articles or abstracts from September 1961 to March 2017 (inclusive) using the key words “vitamin B12” and “cobalamin” versus “sperm”. Certain relevant references were included to support the empirical as well as the mechanistic discussions. In conclusion, the mainstream published work demonstrates the positive effects of vitamin B12 on semen quality: first, by increasing sperm count, and by enhancing sperm motility and reducing sperm DNA damage, though there are a few in vivo system studies that have deliberated some adverse effects. The beneficial effects of vitamin B12 on semen quality may be due to increased functionality of reproductive organs, decreased homocysteine toxicity, reduced amounts of generated nitric oxide, decreased levels of oxidative damage to sperm, reduced amount of energy produced by spermatozoa, decreased inflammation-induced semen impairment, and control of nuclear factor-κB activation. However, additional research, mainly clinical, is still needed to confirm these positive effects.

Seminal plasma vitamin B 6 levels in men with asthenozoospermia and men with normal sperm motility, a measurement using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

“…A deficiency or a decrease in vitamin B 6 levels leads to the accumulation of homocysteine (hyperhomocysteinemia) (Forges et al, 2007; Waly et al, 2016). Deficiencies in B vitamins, including vitamin B 6 , were found to be linked with hyperhomocysteinemia and altered spermatogenesis (Banihani, 2017b; Forges et al, 2007; Vujkovic et al, 2009). Moreover, ‘Health Conscious’ diet was found to be negatively correlated with seminal plasma homocysteine and positively correlated with seminal plasma vitamin B 6 (Vujkovic et al, 2009).…”

Improvement of vitamin B 12 status with Spirulina supplementation in Wistar rats validated through functional and circulatory markers

“…Also, tubular lumen filled with debris irregular basement membrane, disorganization, and degeneration of some spermatogenic cells and destroyed tubular cellular architecture were observed in the vitamin B 12 deficient group. Vitamin B 12 deficiency affects the male reproductive system, indicating that vitamin B 12 may be an essential constituent for spermatogenesis in rats and humans (Banihani, ). Normal cell architecture of testes in standard B 12 and Spirulina fed groups substantiates the bioavailability of the vitamin B 12 from Spirulina biomass.…”

¿Tienen los Hábitos de Vida y de Alimentación Impacto en la Calidad Seminal?

“…La vitamina B12 parece incrementar el conteo de espermatozoides, la movilidad y reducir el daño al DNA, efectos atribuidos al papel que tiene el nutriente en la reducción de la homocisteína, a una reducción en la producción de óxido nítrico y de daños oxidativos y a una menor activación del NFkB. 33…”