Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Li, Xiang; Zeng, Yue‐Can; Luo, Yudi; He, Jia; Luo, Bin; Lu, Xi-Lan; Zhu, Lingling

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18224

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…We intervened with folic acid-and zinc-based antioxidants of approximately the same amount of folic acid (400 mg) and zinc (12 mg) as those used in the study by Scaruffi et al [82]. Conversely, the high-dose intake of zinc lowers sperm quality [54]; therefore, the results of Scaruffi et al [82] and our study might differ from those of the FAZST [79]. The folic acid-and zinc-based antioxidants in the FAZST did not exhibit a positive impact on sperm parameters or pregnancy outcomes [79]; however, we speculated that differences in the study design may have been the reason for the difference as the intervention was not used for a population with poor semen quality, such as >1.9 mv/10 6 mL of sORP.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Raigani et al also showed that folic acid- and zinc-based supplements improve sperm concentration in infertile men taking only folic acid supplementation [ 53 ]. However, a recent meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated that folic acid- and zinc-based antioxidants do not have a significant effect on sperm concentration in men with infertility (MD, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], −4.54 to 6.45; p = 0.73) [ 54 ]. This contradictory result can be attributed to the 6-month duration of treatment with folic acid- and zinc-based antioxidants in our study, which may have influenced the improvements compared with the shorter treatment durations examined in previous studies.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Micronutrient Antioxidants for Men (Menevit®) Improve Sperm Function by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Resulting in Improved Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

Ogawa,

Ota,

Nishizawa

et al. 2024

Antioxidants

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Oxidative stress (OS) affects men’s health and impairs spermatogenesis. Micronutrient antioxidants are available for male infertility as complemental support; however, their efficacy remains debatable. This study aimed to investigate whether antioxidants can help to reduce sperm OS and improve semen analysis and quality. We included 171 male partners of couples planning to undergo assisted reproductive technology (ART). Male partners, aged 29–41 years, of couples intending to conceive were self-selected to take daily antioxidants (n = 84) containing folic acid and zinc, or not to take antioxidants (n = 52) for 6 months. We analyzed the alterations in serum oxidant levels, sperm parameters, OS, and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation after 3 and 6 months. Additionally, implantation, clinical pregnancy, and miscarriage rates after vitrified–warmed embryo transfer were compared between those taking antioxidants and those not taking them after 6 months. In men with high static oxidation–reduction potential (sORP), we observed a significant improvement in sperm concentration and sORP. The high-quality blastocyst rate tended to increase, and implantation and clinical pregnancy rates also significantly increased after 6 months of intervention. The micronutrient antioxidants could improve sperm function by reducing OS and improving ART outcomes. Therefore, micronutrient antioxidants may be a viable treatment option for male infertility.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Micronutrient Antioxidants for Men (Menevit®) Improve Sperm Function by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Resulting in Improved Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

Ogawa,

Ota,

Nishizawa

et al. 2024

Antioxidants

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Moreover, another Chinese study evaluated a total of 30 weaned male mice and reported that selenium deficiency induces the activation of apoptosis and impairs the reproductive system [33]. In addition, a systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that zinc and folic acid improved sperm motility, sperm DNA integrity, ICSI outcome, and reduced chromosomal abnormalities [34,35].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Micronutrients and L-Carnitine as Antioxidant on Sperm Parameters, Genome Integrity, and ICSI Outcomes: Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Lahimer,

Gherissi,

Ben Salem

et al. 2023

Antioxidants

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The evaluation of sperm DNA integrity is recommended in the sixth edition of the 2021 World Health Organization guidelines. Oxidative stress has been identified as a crucial factor leading to genome decay, lipid peroxidation, and nucleoprotein oxidation. This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the effect of oral antioxidant treatment (Fertilis), which contains L-carnitine and some micronutrients, in the improvement of conventional sperm parameters, sperm DNA integrity and in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes. A total of 263 participants were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: 131 participants received the antioxidant treatment, while 132 participants received a placebo. The male partners in both groups underwent the antioxidant treatment or the placebo for a duration of three months. For each participant, we performed a hormonal test, an infectious test, a spermogram, a TUNEL assay for sperm DNA fragmentation, a toluidine blue staining for sperm DNA decondensation, and an IVF/ICSI procedure. Sperm characteristics analysis (volume, count, motility, and vitality), sperm DNA fragmentation, and sperm DNA decondensation were assessed and compared to the results preceding the antioxidant treatment. The study outcome revealed a significant decrease in the DNA fragmentation index and a significant increase in sperm motility after 3 months of treatment (p = 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively). Additionally, a significant improvement in clinical pregnancy rate (p = 0.01) and life birth rate (p = 0.031) was observed. No significant changes were observed in conventional sperm parameters (volume, count, and vitality) or sperm DNA decondensation (SDI). Antioxidant therapy has a beneficial impact on achieving pregnancy, whether through spontaneous conception or assisted reproductive procedures (ART).

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Oxidative stress affects sperm health and fertility—Time to apply facts learned at the bench to help the patient: Lessons for busy clinicians

Sengupta,

Pinggera,

Calogero

et al. 2024

Reprod Medicine & Biology

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BackgroundIncreased oxidative stress (OS), resulting from the delicate balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant defense, is closely linked to sperm abnormalities and male subfertility. Elevated ROS levels particularly affect sperm quality. The vulnerability of spermatozoa to ROS is due to the absence of DNA repair mechanisms and the high presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their membranes.MethodsThis article updates and advances our understanding of the molecular damage caused by OS in spermatozoa, including lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, motility, and functionality. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges in diagnosing OS in semen and recommends accurate and sensitive testing methods. Case studies are utilized to demonstrate the effective management of male infertility caused by OS.Main findingsHighlighting the need to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, this review suggests strategies for clinicians, such as lifestyle and dietary changes and antioxidant therapies. The review emphasizes lifestyle modifications and personalized care as effective strategies in managing male infertility caused by OS.ConclusionThis review calls for early detection and intervention and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient care in male infertility cases related to increased OS.

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Effects of folic acid and folic acid plus zinc supplements on the sperm characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of infertile men: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cited by 5 publications

References 40 publications

Micronutrient Antioxidants for Men (Menevit®) Improve Sperm Function by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Resulting in Improved Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

Micronutrient Antioxidants for Men (Menevit®) Improve Sperm Function by Reducing Oxidative Stress, Resulting in Improved Assisted Reproductive Technology Outcomes

Effect of Micronutrients and L-Carnitine as Antioxidant on Sperm Parameters, Genome Integrity, and ICSI Outcomes: Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Oxidative stress affects sperm health and fertility—Time to apply facts learned at the bench to help the patient: Lessons for busy clinicians

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