Antioxidants Do Not Improve Infertile Sperm Quality

Antioxidants have been suggested in previous studies to improve abnormal sperm parameters, this study shows daily supplementation of antioxidants among men with infertility over a three month period did not improve sperm concentration, morphology, motility, or rate of fragmentation. According to the researchers much of previous studies to have associations with improvements has been limited to smaller study groups, variation in tested antioxidants, nonclinical endpoints, and patient heterogeneity.

This study is one of the largest randomised controlled studies with a population involving 174 couples from 8 fertility centers in the USA. Male partners involved were diagnosed with infertility and had abnormal sperm parameters which included subnormal sperm levels, increased DNA fragmentation, morphology, or motility. Parameters were measured at the start of the study then again at 3 months after one group had been receiving placebo and the other received daily supplementation with vitamins C, D3, E, zinc, folic acid, selenium, and L-carnitine.

Researchers observed a slight overall difference in sperm concentration between the two groups but no significant differences were observed in measurements of sperm motility, DNA fragmentation, or morphology. Endpoint of trial was natural conception during the 3 month study period, no significant difference was observed for either group for this endpoint. Based on findings it was concluded by the researchers that results do not support empiric use of antioxidant therapy for male factor infertility.