Majzoub A, Agarwal A. Systematic review of antioxidant types and doses in male infertility: Benefits on semen parameters, advanced sperm function, assisted reproduction and live-birth rate.
Arab J Urol 2018;
16:113-124. [PMID:
29713542 PMCID:
PMC5922223 DOI:
10.1016/j.aju.2017.11.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective
To explore the current evidence concerning the effect of oral antioxidant supplementation on various male fertility outcomes, as antioxidants are widely available compounds that are commonly used for the treatment of male infertility.
Materials and methods
PubMed, Medline and Cochrane electronic databases were searched according to a modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines looking for studies investigating the effect of antioxidant therapy on infertile men. The studies were explored looking for antioxidants: (i) types and doses; (ii) mechanism of action and rationale for use; and (iii) effect on the different outcome measures reported.
Results
In all, 26 studies reported a significant positive effect of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters, advanced sperm function, outcomes of assisted reproductive therapy, and live-birth rate. Vitamin E, vitamin C, carnitines, N-acetyl cysteine, co-enzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, folic acid and lycopene were most commonly used. The vitamins’ mechanism of action and reported doses is presented in Table 1, Table 2.
Conclusion
Antioxidants generally have a favourable effect on male fertility. Further studies are needed to identify the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be used safely and efficiently in clinical practice.
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