Russian scientists study the possibility of using zinc to restore fertility in men

The Russian Ministry of Education and Science said the study would help determine the optimal concentration of zinc in medicines.

A source in the ministry said that the “Covid-19” pandemic has long-term negative consequences on the human body. This also affects the male reproductive system due to increased oxidative stress in its main organs. Zinc reduces oxidation processes in the testicles resulting from infection with the Corona virus (Covid-19) and protects against premature aging.

The study showed that zinc acts as an antioxidant, preventing certain proteins, such as superoxide dismutase, from accelerating the breakdown of organic matter and converting it to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. In other cases, zinc acts in the opposite way, encouraging the binding of reactive oxygen species to heavy metals.

However, the use of nutritional supplements containing zinc, for example, also protects the testicles from the effects of both the Covid-19 virus itself and from the toxic elements caused by the chemotherapy used to treat Covid-19.

It has been experimentally proven that the zinc content in the seminal plasma of healthy men is higher than in infertile men. For example, zinc oxide and folic acid preparations have made it possible to improve the quality of semen without harming the endocrine system. In addition, zinc allows regulating the synthesis of small cytokines, high levels of which can lead to inflammation, and can also affect the work of immune cells, such as T-lymphocytes and macrophages.

However, scientists warn that taking large doses of zinc over the long term can cause prostate cancer, lower “good” cholesterol levels, and lead to anemia and copper deficiency.

Zinc is certainly beneficial in overcoming the effects of COVID-19, including restoring men’s reproductive health, but more research is needed to determine the optimal concentration of zinc in future diets to avoid health problems.

Source: TASS