https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2024.12323

The influence of oral antioxidants on men with infertility: a systemic review

Vol. 96 No. 2 (2024)
Submitted: January 30, 2024
Accepted: February 18, 2024
Published: May 2, 2024
Infertility, antioxidants, semen parameters
Abstract Views: 1218
PDF: 408
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Authors

Tamer A. Abouelgreed
dr_tamer_ali@yahoo.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2640-3425
Department of Urology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Mohamed A. Amer
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Hassan Mamdouh
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Ahmed F. El-Sherbiny
Department of Andrology, International Islamic Center for Population Studies and Research, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Hany Aboelwafa
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Sameh F. Fahmy
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6493-2515
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Omar A. Omar
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5983-8189
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Mohammed Abdelshakour
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Mohammad Elesawy
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Mohamed Sonbol
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Ahmed N. Maawad
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6044-8640
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
Osama K. Elsayed
Department of Dermatology & Andrology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.

Objective: This study aims to investigate the current evidence regarding the impact of oral antioxidant supplementation on semen parameters of infertile men.

Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases, adhering to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The focus was on studies exploring the effects of antioxidant therapy on infertile men, with an examination of antioxidants in terms of types, doses, rationale for use, and their impact on semen parameters measures.

Results: A total of 18 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. Out of these, 14 studies reported a significantly positive influence of antioxidant therapy on basic semen parameters and advanced sperm function. These comprised 11 randomized clinical trials and 7 prospective studies. Commonly utilized antioxidants included Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitines, co-enzyme Q10, N-acetyl cysteine, zinc, selenium, folic acid, and lycopene.

Conclusions: Overall, antioxidants generally demonstrate a favorable effect on semen parameters of infertile men. However, further research is necessary to pinpoint the optimal antioxidant regimen that can be applied safely and effectively in clinical practice.

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How to Cite

Abouelgreed, T. A., Amer, M. A., Mamdouh, H., El-Sherbiny, A. F., Aboelwafa, H., Fahmy, S. F., Omar, O. A., Abdelshakour, M., Elesawy, M., Sonbol, M., Maawad, A. N., & Elsayed, O. K. (2024). The influence of oral antioxidants on men with infertility: a systemic review. Archivio Italiano Di Urologia E Andrologia, 96(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2024.12323
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