Male factor infertility and oxidative stress: role of diet, lifestyle and nutritional supplements

Abstract

Nearly one in 5 couples are thought to be infertile or subfertile. Worldwide sperm counts are declining. Environmental factors, lifestyle changes and dietary status may negatively impact spermatogenesis, most cases of male factor infertility and low sperm counts are idiopathic. The common denominator appears to be increases in oxidative stress and abnormalities of metabolic function. This may be localized primarily in immature sperm cells and white blood cells. The large content of phospholipid bound polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane makes it more susceptible to peroxidative damage. Breakdown or disturbance of the membrane leads to functional impairment of sperm cell. This process leads to sperm dysfunction, abnormal parameters on semen analysis, DNA fragmentation and functional disorders affecting sperm penetration and oocyte interaction. Remarkably, studies have shown that antioxidants and other related micronutrients can reduce oxidative stress and thereby enhance sperm function. An optimized sperm supplement should be recommended in all cases of male subfertility as well as unexplained infertility.