EXPERIMENTAL ZINC-DEFICIENCY IN MAN - EFFECT ON TESTICULAR FUNCTION

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  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 96  (3) , 544-550
Abstract
Dietary Zn intake was restricted (2.7-5.0 mg daily) for 24-40 wk in 5 male volunteers. Their mean age was 57 yr. Oligospermia (total sperm count < 40 million per ejaculate) was induced in 4 of 5 subjects. A decrease in the sperm count occurred during Zn restriction and the early phase of Zn repletion before body stores of Zn were restored to normal. The duration of oligospermia in the 4 subjects ranged from 6-14 mo. Oligospermia was reversed after Zn supplementation in physiologic amounts. The baseline sperm concentration and total sperm count per ejaculate in all 5 subjects dropped significantly (P < 0.05) after Zn restriction and returned to normal 6-12 mo. after Zn supplementation. The decrease in sperm count coincided with decline in Leydig cell function and was reversed after Zn supplementation in low doses. Dietary restriction of Zn can affect testicular function adversely, but this effect is a reversible process and can be corrected by proper supplementation with Zn.