Micronutrient deficiency in men with infertility

Abstract

The study objective is to compare the level of micronutrients in men with infertility and men with normal fertility. Materials and methods. The levels of А, В9, D, Е, С vitamins in blood using high-performance liquid chromatography and selenium and zinc in hair using atomic absorption mass-spectrometry were measured in men with diagnosis of male idiopathic infertility (n = 82) and men with normal fertility (n = 93).Conclusion. Absence of a total lack of micronutrient deficiency in men with infertility was observed. Presumably, azoospermia can be associated with deficiency in some micronutrients casting doubt on the necessity of administration of multicomponent vitamin and mineral complexes.Results. Blood levels of А, D and В9 vitamins did not significantly differ in the studied groups, while differences in blood levels of С and Е vitamins and selenium and zinc in hair were statistically significant. While the levels of А, Е, В9 vitamins, selenium and zinc were in the reference ranges, vitamin C deficiency was observed in the test group and vitamin D deficiency in both groups. Higher level of selenium in the test group presumably reflects its higher metabolism due to higher influx of xenobiotics in the organism and indicates pre-deficiency state.