Association Between Zinc Levels and the Impact of Its Deficiency on Idiopathic Male Infertility: An Up-to-Date Review

Zinc (Zn) is an essential metal that plays a critical role in normal testicular development, spermatogenesis, prevention of sperm degradation, and overall male fertility. This review aims to offer a comprehensive and current overview of seminal plasma Zn levels in fertile men worldwide. It also aims to compare Zn levels in seminal plasma and blood (serum/plasma) between infertile men (cases) and fertile men (controls), examine the impact of Zn on sperm quality and the reproductive hormone, and highlight the effects of Zn supplementation therapy in male infertility.

To achieve these goals, peer-reviewed studies from 2000 to 2024 were interrogated with regard to strict inclusion/exclusion criteria and were then thoroughly reviewed and analyzed.

Our findings indicate that maintaining optimal seminal plasma Zn levels is crucial, as low Zn levels are linked to impaired spermatogenesis and male infertility, while high Zn levels can cause oxidative stress and other changes that contribute to infertility. Seminal plasma Zn levels from 100 to 200 mg/L among fertile men worldwide can be roughly considered safe. Comparative analysis showed that a greater number of studies reported lower levels of seminal Zn in cases than in controls. Research into the impact of Zn levels in seminal plasma has shown that, although the results are not yet conclusive, altered (non-normal) Zn levels could influence semen parameters-particularly motility, morphology, and sperm count-and the level of the reproductive hormone, testosterone. Zinc-deficient infertile men could benefit from supplement therapy.

Assessment of seminal plasma Zn levels in infertile men could provide valuable information and aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.