Selenium and zinc each have one authorised health claim under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012.
Selenium is one of the essential trace elements and occurs in nature mainly as selenomethionine and selenocysteine. In the male organism a high selenium concentration is found in testicular tissue, where the element, as a component of selenoproteins — including glutathione peroxidase 4 — is involved in the maturation of germ cells.
Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
Zinc is a trace element with a documented contribution in over 300 enzyme systems. In male reproductive biology, zinc is found at particularly high concentrations in prostatic fluid and in the sperm themselves, where it acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in stabilising the chromatin structure in the germ cell.
Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
Two trace elements and their assessed claims — under EU Regulation No 432/2012
To the reportSpermatogenesis — the formation of mature sperm from stem cells — extends over a period of about 74 days and passes through several differentiation phases in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. During this process the maturing germ cells need protection from oxidative stress, which arises from the high metabolic turnover in the tissue. Certain minerals perform documented functions here as cofactors or structural components.
Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4), a selenium-dependent enzyme, is of documented importance in the late phase of spermiogenesis. It protects the lipids of the sperm membrane from oxidative damage and is subsequently converted into a structural component of the midpiece capsule — a process that cannot proceed properly without sufficient selenium.
“Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis” — Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
Zinc accumulates at high concentrations in the Leydig cells and in the prostate. In the Leydig cells, zinc is involved in steroidogenesis — the biochemical pathway by which cholesterol is converted into testosterone. In the sperm head, zinc bridges between protamines form the compact packaging of the paternal DNA, which secures the integrity of the genetic material until fertilisation.
“Zinc contributes to normal fertility and reproduction” — Under Regulation (EU) No 432/2012
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been assessing scientific evidence for health claims on nutrients since 2006. The results of this assessment are translated by the EU Commission into regulations — most recently in Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, which contains over 200 authorised claims.
The authorised claims also include ones relating to male reproduction. These are scientifically assessed relationships between a mineral and a physiological function — not therapeutic promises. The term “normal” in the claim describes proper bodily function where nutrient supply is adequate.
Marmorwelle presents these regulatory relationships for selenium and zinc in an accessible form — without assessments of its own and without medical recommendations.
Selenium and zinc in reproductive biology — a well-founded presentation under EU Regulation No 432/2012.
One-time access · Digital information product
If the content does not meet your expectations, you have a statutory right of withdrawal of 14 days. You will find the details in the Withdrawal Policy.
The texts published on this website are for information and do not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. For health questions or symptoms, consult a physician. Dietary supplements do not replace a balanced diet or a healthy way of life. The recommended daily dose must not be exceeded. Store products out of the reach of children.
This website is not connected with Google LLC, YouTube LLC, Alphabet Inc. or their subsidiaries. Google and YouTube are trademarks of Alphabet Inc. The content presented here has not been reviewed, approved or endorsed by Google or YouTube. Results and statements on this page are individual and may differ from person to person. Any use of Google services for advertising purposes does not constitute an endorsement of the content by Google or YouTube.
Or write directly to: [email protected]