FERTILITY

Researchers in Mexico have reported that L-arginine is the precursor (the substance from which a more active substance is formed) to putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, all compounds directly linked to sperm motility. When decreased sperm motility reduces the chance of conception, L-arginine supplementation provides a new, viable form of treatment. (Arch Intern Med 93;153(17):20048) When 42 males were given L-arginine, their sperm counts increased by 100 percent and motility was increased. Their counts began to drop again once the amino acid was withdrawn. (J Urol 73;110:311-313)