Lecithin is a fatty acid compound that is naturally found in cell membranes, bile, and plasma. Although there are many rumors online about its ability to increase semen production, there is no scientific evidence that Lecithin has any effect on sperm or ejaculation. However, many people still turn to Lecithin as a test.
1.What does Lecithin do?
Lecithin helps keep the digestive system healthy, reduces cholesterol, and improves overall heart health. Therefore, Lecithin is added to many foods, such as refined soybean, corn, and safflower oils. In the ingredient list, it is often listed as soy lecithin.
Most male food lecithin is used to produce over-the-counter (OTC) Lecithin supplements. In theory, these supplements may provide similar health benefits to lecithin found in foods. But remember, there is no scientific evidence that Lecithin supplements may affect semen volume in ejaculation.
2. Is Lecithin Safe?
In most cases, food-based Lecithin is safe to use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designates Lecithin as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). This means that adding lecithin to your diet is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects.
However, it is important to note that the FDA does not regulate supplements. While pure lecithin supplements are generally safe to use, there is no way to know whether a supplement contains only Lecithin. Therefore, users should carefully read the ingredient list before using any product.
In particular, users should consult a doctor before using any dietary supplement to avoid interactions or negative effects on existing or potential diseases with prescription and non-prescription drugs being used. For example, patients who are using diclofenac (Voltaren Gel) to relieve joint pain should not take Lecithin.
Research conducted on mice shows that the safe intake of lecithin is 84 grams per day. Users must always follow the dosage information on the product label.
3. Side effects of Lecithin
Lecithin usually does not cause side effects unless it is used in high doses. Therefore, users must always follow the dosage information on the manufacturer's label.
In some cases, lecithin can cause:
- Diarrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea.
These side effects will gradually decrease as the body adapts to the dietary supplement. If your symptoms worsen or last for more than a few days, immediately seek medical attention
You need emergency medical attention if you start to have symptoms of anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction, with symptoms such as:
- Swelling of the mouth, throat, or face.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Wheezing.
- Slurred speech.
- Decreased heart rate.
Users should inform the doctors about any dietary supplements they are taking. This will allow them to monitor changes and help reduce the risk of complications. For example, the results of an animal study showed that taking too much lecithin over a long period can cause parathyroid hyperplasia and heart muscle fibrosis. Researchers suspect that this is due to increased levels of phosphate in the body.
If you do not inform your doctor about your dietary supplement use, they will not be able to monitor your intake and its effects on your health.
4. What research has been done on other semen-supporting supplements?
The quantity and quality of a man's semen in each ejaculation is related to a combination of factors, including:
- Testosterone levels: Testosterone is the sex hormone responsible for male fertility and sex drive.
- Sperm count: The number of sperm the body naturally produces can affect the amount of semen ejaculated.
- Sperm motility: Healthy sperm are assessed by how well and how fast they can swim through semen. This can affect the amount of semen you ejaculate.
- Erectile dysfunction: A man's ability to achieve and maintain an erection can affect the amount of semen he ejaculates.
- Sexual desire: A man's desire to have sex can affect the amount of semen he ejaculates.
Some supplements that may help improve these factors to increase semen volume and overall sexual performance include:
- D-aspartic acid (D-AA) supplements may help boost testosterone.
- Fenugreek supplements are also thought to help increase testosterone.
- Ashwagandha increases semen volume, motility, and sperm count.
- Maca root may help reduce cases of erectile dysfunction and increase sperm count and motility.
- Zinc helps balance testosterone levels and sperm quality.
If you want to try one of these supplements, you should consult with your doctor before taking them. They can recommend specific products, as well as information on dosage and side effects.
5. Other ways to increase semen production
You can try one or more of the following ways to help improve sexual function and increase semen quality:
- Exercise regularly: Exercising or being physically active for at least 20-30 minutes a day can improve blood flow to the penis, which can have a positive impact on men's sexual health.
- Get enough sleep: Getting at least six to eight hours of sleep each night will improve sexual function. Not getting enough sleep can reduce semen quality.
- Eat a balanced diet: Not getting enough nutrients will affect your physical health, which can potentially lead to sexual dysfunction.
- Increase your vitamin and mineral intake: Vitamins and minerals can affect fertility as well as testosterone levels in the body. Taking supplements or eating a diet rich in vitamins can help.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Alcohol reduces testosterone levels, which can affect semen quality.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can reduce your sex drive and increase your risk of infertility.
- Relax: Use relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises to reduce stress and improve your semen quality.
In short, there is no evidence that Lecithin increases semen volume, but it is generally safe to use and has some health benefits unrelated to sexual function. However, you should talk to your doctor before adding any supplements to your diet to limit interactions. If you want to increase semen volume or sexual function, talk to your doctor for appropriate and safe methods.
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Reference source: healthline.com