Getting Started With Supplements for Male Fertility

Many men take supplements for fertility without a clear plan of how different products work together. This guide explains how to use Zita West's core male fertility supplements – Vitamen, Vitamen Boost and Menceive – as part of a structured approach to supporting sperm health.

Why sperm need both nutrients and antioxidants

Sperm are highly susceptible to oxidative damage because of their high metabolic activity and the composition of their cell membranes. At the same time, they depend on a steady supply of micronutrients – zinc, selenium, B-vitamins and others – to develop properly over the roughly 74-day spermatogenesis cycle.¹

A well-designed supplement strategy addresses both:

• Micronutrient status – ensuring the raw materials for healthy sperm production are available.
• Antioxidant protection – reducing oxidative stress that can damage sperm membranes and DNA.
• Gut health – supporting the absorption of nutrients and reducing systemic inflammation that may affect reproductive function.

Vitamen: your baseline male fertility multivitamin

Vitamen is formulated as a comprehensive daily multivitamin for men who are trying to conceive. It provides:

• Zinc – contributes to normal fertility and reproduction, and to the maintenance of normal testosterone levels.
• Selenium – contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
• Vitamins C and E – contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
• B-vitamins – support energy metabolism and normal cell division.
• L-carnitine – involved in sperm energy metabolism.

Vitamen is designed for most men who are planning to conceive, especially if their diet is not consistently ideal. It provides a solid nutritional foundation without the need for multiple separate supplements.

For more on the research behind Vitamen, see our blog: Micronutrients and Male Fertility: Exploring the Evidence for Vitamen.

Vitamen Boost: targeted antioxidant support

Vitamen Boost is an antioxidant formulation designed to complement Vitamen when additional support is needed. It contains:

• Vitamin C and vitamin E – key antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) – a versatile antioxidant that works in both water- and fat-soluble environments.
• Zinc and selenium – trace minerals with antioxidant roles.
• N-acetyl L-carnitine – supports mitochondrial function and energy production.

Vitamen Boost is particularly useful for men who:

• Are over 35 or have a higher risk of oxidative stress.
• Smoke or have recently stopped smoking.
• Exercise intensely or have physically demanding jobs.
• Have had semen analysis results showing sub-optimal motility or morphology.
• Are preparing for IVF or ICSI treatment.

For more on the research, see: How Antioxidants Support Male Fertility: Understanding the Research Behind Vitamen Boost.

Menceive: the gut–sperm connection

The gut microbiome influences systemic inflammation, nutrient absorption and metabolic health – all of which can affect reproductive function. Menceive is a targeted probiotic formulation designed specifically for male fertility.

Research on the strains used in Menceive has shown notable improvements in sperm motility, including a six-fold increase in motility in one clinical study.² This makes Menceive particularly relevant for men with:

• Digestive issues or irregular bowel habits.
• A history of antibiotic use.
• Metabolic concerns such as raised blood sugar or cholesterol.
• Semen analysis showing low motility.

For more on the research, see: Probiotics and Male Fertility: The Research Behind Menceive.

Putting the stack together: simple profiles

Rather than recommending every product for every man, it helps to match the combination to individual needs. Here are some common starting points:

Just starting out, no known issues

If you are generally healthy and have not had any fertility investigations, a straightforward combination would be:

• Vitamen – daily multivitamin foundation.
• Menceive – gut and motility support.

This covers baseline nutrition and gut health without overcomplicating things.

Wanting extra antioxidant support

If you are over 35, have a demanding lifestyle, smoke or have recently stopped, or simply want to be more proactive:

• Vitamen – daily multivitamin foundation.
• Vitamen Boost – targeted antioxidant support.
• Menceive – gut and motility support.

Known issues or working with a clinic

If semen analysis has shown specific abnormalities (low count, low motility, high proportion of abnormal forms) or you are preparing for fertility treatment:

• Vitamen – daily multivitamin foundation.
• Vitamen Boost – targeted antioxidant support.
• Menceive – gut and motility support.
• Consider adding Vitaseed Pro for advanced antioxidant and micronutrient support
• Consider adding CoQ10 (Kaneka ubiquinol) for additional mitochondrial support if motility is a particular concern.

How to use the supplements day to day

Consistency is key. Here are some practical tips:

• Vitamen – take with food (ideally breakfast or lunch) to aid absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Vitamen Boost – take with your main meal to support absorption and reduce any digestive discomfort.
• Menceive – take regularly, ideally at the same time each day, to support consistent gut colonisation. This is a 21 day course.
• Use a pill organiser or set a daily reminder to build the habit.
• Plan for at least 12 weeks of consistent use, as this aligns with the full sperm development cycle.

Other Zita West supplements for men

Beyond the core trio, there are additional products that may be relevant depending on individual needs:

• Vital DHA – omega-3 support for sperm membrane integrity, especially if oily fish intake is low.
• Vitaseed Pro – an advanced formulation for men with known sperm issues, combining antioxidants and micronutrients.
• CoQ10 (Kaneka ubiquinol) – mitochondrial and antioxidant support, particularly for motility concerns.

Speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure which combination is right for you. We offer free 1:1 20 minute product consultations to help you understand which supplements might be right for you. To learn more, tap here.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Vitamen and Vitamen Boost together?

Yes – Vitamen Boost is designed to complement Vitamen, not replace it. Vitamen provides the baseline multivitamin support, while Vitamen Boost adds targeted antioxidants for men who need extra protection against oxidative stress.

Do I still need Menceive if my digestion seems fine?

Gut health is not just about digestion. The gut microbiome influences inflammation, nutrient absorption and metabolic health, all of which can affect sperm quality. The research on Menceive specifically shows improvements in sperm motility, so it may be beneficial even if you have no obvious digestive symptoms.

How long before I might see changes in sperm parameters?

Sperm take around 10–12 weeks to develop fully, so most men should plan to use supplements consistently for at least three months before expecting to see changes on a semen analysis. Some men may notice improvements sooner, but patience and consistency are key.

Is it safe to stay on this stack long-term?

When used at recommended doses, these supplements are generally well tolerated for extended periods. However, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking prescription medication, speak to your GP or a healthcare professional before starting or continuing supplementation.

References

1. Amann RP. The cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in humans: a need to revisit? Journal of Andrology. 2008;29(5):469-487.
2. Valcarce DG, et al. Effect of probiotic supplementation on sperm quality in infertile men. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2023.