Dietary Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Counteracting Oxidative Stress
- PMID: 33804600
- PMCID: PMC8003818
- DOI: 10.3390/biology10030241
Dietary Antioxidants in the Treatment of Male Infertility: Counteracting Oxidative Stress
Abstract
Infertility affects about 15% of the population and male factors only are responsible for ~25-30% of cases of infertility. Currently, the etiology of suboptimal semen quality is poorly understood, and many environmental and genetic factors, including oxidative stress, have been implicated. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the capacity of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The purpose of this review, by employing the joint expertise of international researchers specialized in nutrition and male fertility areas, is to update the knowledge about the reproductive consequences of excessive ROS concentrations and oxidative stress on the semen quality and Assisted Reproduction Techniques (ART) clinical outcomes, to discuss the role of antioxidants in fertility outcomes, and finally to discuss why foods and dietary patterns are more innocuous long term solution for ameliorating oxidative stress and therefore semen quality results and ART fertility outcomes. Since this is a narrative review and not a systematic/meta-analysis, the summarized information in the present study should be considered cautiously.
Keywords: DNA fragmentation; antioxidant paradox; antioxidants; dietary patterns; foods; male fertility; nutrients; reactive oxygen species; semen quality; supplements.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Figures
References
-
- World Health Organization . WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen. WHO; Geneva, Switzerland: 2010.
-
- MacLeod J. The Rôle of Oxygen in the Metabolism and Motility of Human Spermatozoa. Am. J. Physiol. Leg. Content. 1943;138:512–518. doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1943.138.3.512. - DOI
Publication types
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
