Evidence supporting the use of: Oyster
For the health condition: Infertility

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Oysters have been used both traditionally and in modern times to support fertility, mainly due to their exceptionally high zinc content. Zinc is an essential mineral involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism, and it plays a critical role in reproductive health for both men and women. Scientific studies have established that zinc deficiency can negatively affect sperm quality and testosterone levels in men, and may also disrupt ovulation in women. Oysters are the richest natural source of dietary zinc; a single serving can provide several times the recommended daily intake.

However, while the importance of zinc for fertility is well-supported, direct clinical trials demonstrating that oyster consumption itself improves fertility outcomes are lacking. Much of the scientific rationale is extrapolated from studies on zinc supplementation rather than oysters as a whole food. Additionally, oysters contain other nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for overall health, but their specific effects on fertility are not conclusively proven.

In summary, the use of oysters to support fertility is scientifically plausible due to their high zinc content and the established role of zinc in reproductive health. However, direct clinical evidence for oysters as a fertility treatment is limited, and thus the evidence rating is moderate.

More about Oyster
More about Infertility

Products containing Oyster

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.