UpSpring launches men’s preconception vitamin
UpSpring’s latest product is making room for dad in its selection of mom- and baby-focused offerings. The Austin, Texas-based brand is introducing it HeNatal Preconception Vitamin for Men, which is meant to support sperm health and fertility.
HeNatal Preconception Vitamin for Men includes such ingredients as vitamins C and E, as well as antioxidants to support cell protection and other key nutrients meant to promote sperm quality. The product was formulated by Dr. Marianne Legato, a physician who has taught at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and Johns Hopkins Medical School who is the director for the Foundation for Gender-Specific Medicine, which she founded in 2006.
“HeNatal was designed to provide nutritional and antioxidant support for healthy sperm, to combat the high oxidative stress associated with male infertility, and capitalize on the window of opportunity of sperm turnover to produce healthy sperm before conception,” Legato said. “Sperm quality can be impacted by poor diet and a lack of adequate antioxidants, as well as environmental toxins and stress, which is why it is so imperative that men have access to a high-quality prenatal supplement like HeNatal to support their body during this crucial time.”
The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that roughly 12 to 13 out of 100 couples in the United States have difficulty with conception, and 2015 research published in the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences notes that male infertility, which often is attributed to issues with semen quality, accounts for roughly 40% to 50% of infertility. UpSpring said that because new sperm are produced every 42 to 76 days, there is an opportunity to improve sperm quality before conception.
“We are honored to have been able to work with Dr. Legato on developing such a game-changing formula, and are thrilled to have the opportunity to support men, in addition to women, during their conception journey,” said Lisa Williamson, co-Founder and CEO of UpSpring. “The prenatal market has historically been dominated by products marketed to women, but given conception is truly a team effort, we feel there is unmet need for a product like HeNatal. We believe male preconception health is just as important as a woman’s, and we could not be more proud to establish UpSpring as a leader in this emerging category.”
HeNatal vitamins are meant to be started at least 90 days prior to conception and should be taken until conception occurs. It retails for $39.99 on the UpSpring website and Amazon.com.