Influence of oral vitamin and mineral supplementation on male infertility: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Buhling K, Schumacher A, Eulenburg CZ, Laakmann E
Published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online
Methodology
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of oral micronutrient supplementation in subfertile men (7 pooled in meta-analysis, 12 in narrative review).
Key Findings
Selenium, coenzyme Q10, and L-carnitine plus acetyl-L-carnitine significantly improved semen parameters; promising data for zinc plus folic acid and EPA/DHA. Pregnancy rate was reported in only a few trials.
Conclusions
Supplementation with selenium, coenzyme Q10, and the combinations L-carnitine + acetyl-L-carnitine, folic acid + zinc, and EPA + DHA appears beneficial for semen parameters in male infertility.
Limitations
Small number of trials and participants; outcomes largely surrogate semen parameters rather than pregnancy or live birth.
Supplements Studied
significant improvement in semen parameters for selenium (200µg/day and 100µg/day) (standard mean difference [SMD] 0.64 for oligozoospermia, 1.39 for asthenozoospermia)
L-carnitine (2 g/day) and acetyl-L-carnitine (LAC; 1 g/day) combined (SMD 0.57 for asthenozoospermia)
the polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 1.12 g/day) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 0.72 g/day)
Outcomes Measured
The meta-analysis showed significant improvement in semen parameters for selenium (200µg/day and 100µg/day) ... and co-enzyme Q10 (200 and 300 mg/day)
Study Details
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Disclosures
Funding
Not reported
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.