NEW Men's Reproductive Health

Zinc

Zinc is known for several important functions which make it an essential part of our diet. Firstly, Zinc contributes to macronutrient (carbohydrates, protein and fat) metabolism. In addition, Zinc contributes to acid-base metabolism and the normal metabolism of fatty acids. Secondly, the element contributes to DNA synthesis, assisting in the process of cell division, protein synthesis and fertility and reproduction. As an antioxidant, Zinc protects cells from oxidative stress which promotes the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Lastly, Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, nails, skin and vision.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that is found in soil, naturally occurring in water and some food as a result. The mineral is a popular supplement due to its properties. Selenium contributes to the maintenance of hair, nails and the normal function of the immune system, aiding the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Selenium is also beneficial for those wishing to enhance their fertility as the mineral contributes to normal spermatogenesis. As an antioxidant, Selenium protects cells from oxidative stress, reducing damage from free radicals.

L-Arginine

L-Arginine also known as Arginine is a conditionally essential amino-acid which can be produced by the human body and obtained from the diet. It is found in protein-rich foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, soy. The amino acid is involved in several physiological functions including the elimination of the toxic molecule ammonia through the Urea Cycle and vascular function through the Nitric Oxide Cycle. Clinical evidence has demonstrated that supplementation with the amino-acid could be beneficial to individuals with erectile dysfunction as Nitric Oxide regulates blood flow by signalling the blood vessels in the body to relax or widen. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most abundant minerals in the body with around 25g of total Magnesium in the adult body. More than 60% of these stores are found in bones. Magnesium is naturally present in a variety of foods, including green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, as well as nuts and seeds, beans, soy, brown rice, whole grain bread, fish and meat. However, only around 30-40% of the magnesium consumed through our diet is absorbed by the body. Some of the health benefits of Magnesium include its role in normal muscle function, protein synthesis, and maintenance of normal bones and teeth.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C has several vital roles within the optimal functioning of the human body, one of which is its ability to maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise. This supports the normal functioning of the immune system contributing to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin C also works in conjunction with Iron, particularly non-haem Iron, to increase the absorption levels and prevent Iron deficiency anaemia The vitamin has also been found to help with normal physiological function, prompting normal energy metabolism and protecting cells from oxidative stress - all three functions also work to improve depleted energy levels. Another important role of this antioxidant is to contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system, as well as regeneration of the reduced form of Vitamin E - another antioxidant. Lastly, the vitamin benefits the formation of collagen and aids the functioning of several physiological elements, including blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth.

Vitamin B3

After many years of scientific experiments, Vitamin B3 was given its name by Conrad Arnold Elvehjem in 1937 after its structure was discovered. It was initially used in 1867 for photographic use before Elvehjem realised that the deficiency disease for Vitamin B3, pellagra, could be cured by extra intake in this vitamin. The scientific name of Vitamin B3 is Niacin, although it is more commonly referred to as Vitamin B3 because it was the third B vitamin to be discovered. Niacin can be created internally from another amino acid called tryptophan, although the vitamin is also found in meat, fish, eggs, milk, and wheat products, such as bran flakes, oats and bread. Niacin is known for its ability to stimulate the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, contributing to normal energy metabolism. In addition, the vitamin promotes the normal functioning of the nervous system and contributes to both the maintenance of normal skin and normal psychological function.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is exclusively obtained from the diet, as our bodies are unable to produce it. It is present in a variety of foods, including plant oils (such as rapeseed, olive, sunflower and soya oils), nuts, seeds and cereals. Once absorbed, it is stored in the liver. It was discovered in 1922, by scientists Katherine Bishop and Herbert Evans. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties, as it contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs in two main forms: D2 and D3. Recent data has shown that Vitamin D3 has a more beneficial effect on the body. Vitamin D can be synthesised from the action of sunlight on our skin, as UVB rays convert a chemical in the skin to Vitamin D. Although many people don’t favour cod liver oil, this is a great source of Vitamin D as sunlight-converted Vitamin D is stored in the liver of many animals, particularly oily fish. Vitamin D3 has numerous health benefits, starting with its contribution to normal immune system function. The vitamin contributes to the growth and development of bone in children and to a child's normal immune function. The vitamin also contributes to the absorption and utilisation of Calcium and Phosphorous and normal blood Calcium levels, two functions that work to maintain bones and teeth. Lastly, Vitamin D3 plays a role in the process of cell division.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6, more commonly seen as being referred to as Pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in a wide array of foods, including pork, poultry, fish, bread and wholegrain cereals, eggs, peanuts and milk. Vitamin B6 also occurs in vegetables, such as sweet potato and spinach. One of the main roles of Vitamin B6 is to contribute to the body's psychological functionality and to the normal functioning of the nervous system. It also contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin B6 contributes to the normal synthesis of cysteine, normal energy-yielding metabolism, as well as the normal metabolism of homocysteine, glycogen and protein.In addition, it contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells, regulation of hormonal activity and normal immune function.

Biotin

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, nowadays more commonly known as Vitamin B7. Although Biotin is found in small quantities in a range of food products, the micronutrient is naturally produced by some bacteria in the gut. Food sources containing Biotin include those from animal origins, such as eggs, pork and dairy products, and plant-based foods, such as oats, rice, mushrooms, spinach, carrots, apples and tomatoes. Biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and mucous membranes, as well as both a normal energy yielding metabolism and macronutrient metabolism (carbohydrates, protein and fat). The nutrient also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, alongside normal psychological function. It is often suggested that Biotin should be supplemented when Biotin dietary intake is low. For instance, those who have undergone rapid weight loss may have rapidly reduced their food consumption, limiting their Biotin intake.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, otherwise known as Cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is stored in the liver within the body. The micronutrient is primarily known for its contributions to normal energy-yielding metabolism, reducing feelings of tiredness and fatigue. This vitamin also supports the normal formation of red blood cells which carry oxygen around the body. In doing so, Vitamin B12 supports the normal functioning of our immune system. Additionally, Vitamin B12 also contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, the normal metabolism of homocysteine (an amino acid), normal psychological function and has a role in the process of cell division.