Selenium Influence on Male Reproductive Health
Summary
Selenium is an essential micronutrient incorporated into selenoproteins that regulate redox balance, thyroid hormone metabolism and immune function. In male reproduction, adequate selenium intake supports spermatogenesis through antioxidant defence, stabilisation of sperm membrane integrity and modulation of androgen synthesis. Deficiency impairs glutathione peroxidase activity, leading to excessive reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation in testicular tissue, which compromises sperm motility, morphology and DNA integrity. Conversely, supranutritional supplementation can enhance antioxidant capacity but requires careful dosing to avoid pro-oxidant effects. Variations in dietary form—organic, inorganic or nanoparticulate—alter bioavailability and tissue distribution. Global declines in male fertility have prompted renewed interest in selenium as a cost-effective intervention to preserve semen quality in both human and veterinary contexts. Emerging methodologies include precision nutrition approaches tailored to individual selenium status and advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticles to optimise uptake and minimise toxicity.
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Selenium Influence on Male Reproductive Health publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in selenium influence on male reproductive health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Selenium: Trace element incorporated into selenoproteins, vital for antioxidant defence and hormone metabolism.
Selenoproteins: Proteins containing the amino acid selenocysteine, critical for redox regulation and immune function.
Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px): Family of selenoenzymes that reduce hydrogen peroxide and lipid hydroperoxides, protecting cells from oxidative damage.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive molecules derived from oxygen that can damage lipids, proteins and DNA when not adequately neutralised.
Selenium nanoparticles: Elemental selenium particles at the nanometre scale designed to improve bioavailability and targeted antioxidant effects.
References
- Selenium Nanoparticles as Potential Antioxidants to Improve Semen Quality in Boars. Animals (2023).
- Reproductive and physiological traits of Egyptian Suffolk rams as affected by selenium dietary supplementation and housing heat radiation effects during winter of the sub-tropical environment of Egypt (Short Communication). Archives Animal Breeding (2009).
- Effect of selenium and vitamin E supplementation on reproductive performance of young boars. Archives Animal Breeding (2005).
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