The influence of oral antioxidants on men with infertility: a systemic review

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#humans #male #antioxidants #infertility-male #administration-oral

The influence of oral antioxidants on men with infertility: a systemic review

Abouelgreed et al., 2024 | Arch Ital Urol Androl | Systematic Review

Citation

Abouelgreed Tamer A, Amer Mohamed A, ... Elsayed Osama K. The influence of oral antioxidants on men with infertility: a systemic review. Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2024-May-02;96(2):12323. doi:10.4081/aiua.2024.12323

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases, adhering to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The focus was on studies exploring the effects of antioxidant therapy on infertile men, with an examination of antioxidants in terms of types, doses, rationale for use, and their impact on semen parameters measures. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, antioxidants generally demonstrate a favorable effect on semen parameters of infertile men. However, further research is necessary to pinpoint the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be applied safely and effectively in clinical practice.

Key Findings

A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 18
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Male
  • Antioxidants
  • Infertility, Male
  • Administration, Oral
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Semen Analysis
  • Dietary Supplements

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09