Antioxidant Interventions in Male Infertility

Male infertility affects a significant proportion of couples worldwide, with oxidative stress recognised as a key contributor to impaired sperm function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during normal metabolism become deleterious when endogenous antioxidant defences are overwhelmed, leading to lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and reduced sperm motility. Antioxidant interventions seek to restore redox balance by supplying exogenous scavengers or by stimulating endogenous protective systems. Oral supplementation regimens commonly include vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, selenium, zinc, folic acid and carnitine derivatives. These agents aim to improve semen parameters such as concentration, motility, morphology and DNA integrity, and potentially enhance outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies. Despite widespread clinical use, evidence for efficacy varies with compound, dosage, treatment duration and patient selection. Mechanistic studies have elucidated roles for mitochondrial regulation, membrane transporter function and epigenetic modulation. At a global level, antioxidant strategies offer low-cost, non-invasive options that may complement surgical or pharmacological treatments, although standardisation of therapeutic protocols remains a challenge. Continued integration of molecular insights with rigorous clinical trials is essential to define optimal antioxidant combinations and to translate laboratory findings into consistent fertility benefits.

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Antioxidant Interventions in Male Infertility publication trend

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Technical terms

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen that can damage cellular components.

Oxidative stress: An imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defence leading to cellular injury.

Antioxidant: A substance that neutralises ROS and protects cells from oxidative damage.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF): The presence of single- or double-strand breaks in sperm DNA, associated with reduced fertility.

Lipid peroxidation: The oxidative degradation of lipids in cell membranes, impairing sperm function.

References

1. The lack of evidence behind over-the-counter antioxidant supplements for male fertility patients: a scoping review. Human Reproduction Open (2023).
2. Antioxidant Supplementation on Male Fertility—A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (2023).
3. Carnitine traffic and human fertility. Biochemical Pharmacology (2024).
4. Improvement of gamete quality by stimulating and feeding the endogenous antioxidant system: mechanisms, clinical results, insights on gene-environment interactions and the role of diet. Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics (2016).