Russian scientists have found the main “male” microelement for improving reproductive function

Having studied global experience, they came to the conclusion about the significant role of zinc

Scientists from the Higher Medical and Biological School of the South Ural State University have identified a substance that can improve reproductive function in men who have recovered from COVID. It turned out that the trace element effectively reduces oxidative processes in male testicles (testicles), which can appear against the background of COVID. The study was published in the journal Reproductive Sciences. We talked with rehabilitation specialist Evgeny Achkasov about what is generally important for men to know to improve reproductive function.

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The transferred covid affects many organs and systems of the human body. Many of them manifest themselves years later. These include the negative impact of the Sars-Cov-2 virus on the reproductive system of men. It has been proven that the disease increases oxidative stress in its main organs.

As reported to MK by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, the work of scientists from the SUSU HMBS summarized numerous data obtained by international research groups around the world in recent years. It was proven that zinc is a useful tool for directly overcoming the consequences of the COVID-19 disease. This microelement is also distinguished as a substance capable of restoring male reproductive health.

In this situation, zinc acts not only as an antioxidant, but also as a substance that can protect the body from the effects of the virus and the toxic effects of drugs used to treat COVID. In addition, zinc helps regulate the synthesis of information molecules — cytokines that suppress inflammation, and can affect the functioning of immune cells such as T-lymphocytes and macrophages.

The scientists' work cites data from clinical studies in which men received zinc oxide and folic acid preparations. Their reproductive functions improved, and the endocrine system did not suffer.

The next stage of the work, according to the researchers, should be the selection of the optimal concentration of zinc to prevent possible disruptions in the body after COVID.

– Covid really does affect a wide variety of body systems, – says Evgeny Achkasov, Head of the Department of Sports Medicine and Medical Rehabilitation at Sechenov University, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor. –  It is a big misconception to think that coronavirus infection only affects the lungs, – the heart, joints, and nervous system also suffer from it… Of course, the reproductive organs are also affected. Microvessels can suffer in them, the microcirculatory bed can be disrupted. This leads to various pathologies, not only in men, but also in women.

 Please note that during the pandemic, some doctors actively spread the thesis about the great danger of infertility in children who had recovered. These, in my opinion, are absolutely unfounded statements. We can talk about the consequences for children only when they grow up. Time must pass to obtain serious statistical and scientific data.

 Today we can only talk objectively about the acute period of the disease. In coronavirus infection, microcirculation disorders are indeed found both in the testicles of men and in the endometrium of women. But upon recovery, their functions, theoretically, can be restored, just as, for example, lungs damaged by COVID are restored. In order to assert the opposite, I repeat once again, there must be large statistics.

– In women — for fetal implantation, correct development of the embryo, in men — for spermatogenesis.

– As with any post-Covid syndrome, physical activity, good nutrition, and correction of microelement status are important here. To stimulate the male sex hormone testosterone, it is a good idea to pay attention to vitamin D, selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, chromium.

Food products that are very useful for men for reproductive function include walnuts and raw tomatoes form, fresh tomato juice (not packaged).

– There are sports that themselves can negatively affect reproductive function in men. For example, cycling – I’m not talking now about an amateur recreational cycling trip, – We are talking about exhausting training and competitions, when conditions arise for excessive compression of the scrotum. And any cyclic sports: running, swimming, walking – very useful.

There are two more points that you need to pay attention to. These are body weight and healthy sleep. For the immune system and hormonal status to work, you need to sleep at least 8 hours a day.