Evaluating the effects of different antioxidants on the sperm quality and pregnancy rate of male infertility without a clear cause.

This study evaluated the effects of different antioxidants on sperm quality and the pregnancy rate of male infertility without a clear cause. The data showed that L-Carnitine had the highest probability of being the most effective antioxidant to increase sperm motility (movement) and sperm shape. ω-3 fatty acid had the highest probability of being the most effective antioxidant to improve sperm concentration.

Male infertility contributes to half of all infertility cases. For over 40% of men with infertility, there is no clear cause of infertility. These cases are known as idiopathic male infertility. Men with idiopathic infertility often have low sperm count or quality. This may include low numbers of sperm which move normally (motility) or low numbers of sperm with a normal shape (morphology).

Oxidative stress can contribute to low sperm quality. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants. ROS are molecules that cause chemical changes. ROS can reduce sperm motility and their ability to fertilize eggs. ROS can also damage the membrane and tail of sperm. Some studies have found that antioxidant supplements can improve male infertility. Antioxidants like L-Carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and vitamins C and E are molecules that can neutralize ROS. However, the effects of different antioxidants on sperm quality and the pregnancy rate of idiopathic male infertility are still unknown.

This study analyzed 23 studies and involved 1917 patients with idiopathic infertility. The study evaluated 10 antioxidants: L-carnitine, L-carnitine+L-acetylcarnitine, coenzyme-Q-10, omega (ω)-3 fatty acid, selenium, zinc, vitamin E, vitamin C, folic acid, and N-acetyl-cysteine.

L-Carnitine, L-carnitine+L-acetylcarnitine, coenzyme-Q10, ω-3 fatty acid, and selenium significantly improved sperm motility, sperm concentration, and sperm morphology compared to placebo.

L-Carnitine had the highest probability of being the most effective treatment to increase sperm motility and sperm morphology. ω-3 fatty acid had the highest probability of being the most effective treatment to improve sperm concentration.

No significant effect was found in terms of pregnancy rate between antioxidants and placebo.

This study concluded that L-Carnitine had the highest probability of being the most effective treatment to increase sperm motility and sperm morphology. ω-3 fatty acid had the highest probability of being the most effective treatment to improve sperm concentration.

This study looked back in time at medical records. This study did not directly compare the different antioxidants. This study did not evaluate outcomes like forwarding sperm motility and sperm volume.