Oxidative stress in the semen occurs when the level of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) is greater than the TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity). Although low levels of ROS are needed for normal sperm function, high levels of ROS clearly impair fertility.
High levels of oxidative stress correlate with-
- Reduction in overall sperm production (Agarwal, 2000; Pasqualotto, 2000)
- Loss of sperm motility due to impairment of mitochondrial energy production (Pasqualotto, 2000; de Lamirande, 1992)
- Impairment of the acromosome reaction due to protein cross-linking and lipid peroxidation (Rivlin, 2004; Griveau, 1997)
- Impairment of sperm-oocyte fusion due to loss of membrane fluidity (Mammoto, 1996; Aitken, 1991)
- Sperm DNA fragmentation (Duru, 2000; Sun, 1997)
- Abnormal sperm morphology (Aziz, 2004 ; Padron, 1997)
In a study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic (Agarwal et al., 2001), the level of oxidative stress in the seminal plasma was directly correlated with time to pregnancy in couples attempting to conceive through intercourse.
How can seminal plasma oxidative stress be reduced?
- Eliminate cigarette use
- Treat genital tract inflammation, infection and/or pyospermia
- Repair varicocele if present
- Eliminate hot tubs/baths
- Eliminate environmental toxin exposure
- Antioxidant therapy
Antioxidants and Male Infertility
Antioxidants are substances that protect cellular components from damaging oxidative reactions by reaction with the free radicals and other reactive oxygen species. Antioxidants can be categorized as either enzymatic (e.g. glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) or non-enzymatic (e.g. tocopherols, ascorbate, and carotenoids).
Antioxidants and their benefits
Vitamin E- is a chain-breaking antioxidant that protects the sperm’s cell membrane by stabilizing PUFAs (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids). Studies have shown that vitamin E improves sperm motility (Suleiman, 1996). Vitamin E was found to increase IVF fertilization rates (Geva, 1996), increase zona binding (Kessopoulou, 1996), and increase pregnancy rates (Suleiman, 1996).
Vitamin C- is an important water-soluble antioxidant. One of its major functions is to regenerate vitamin E. Vitamin C is the primary antioxidant in the epididymis. An in vitro study found that vitamin C protects sperm from endogenous oxidative DNA damage (Fraga, 1991).
Selenium- is a mineral that functions as an antioxidant. It is a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, an enzyme which is indispensable for the structural integrity of sperm. Selenium supplements have been shown to increase sperm motility, and a combination of selenium and vitamin E decreased damage from free radicals and improved sperm motility in infertile men in a recent study (Keskes-Ammar, 2003).
Lycopene- is the primary carotenoid in testicular tissue and most potent scavenger of singlet oxygen. A recent study showed that lycopene supplementation improved semen parameters in infertile men (Gupta, 2002).
Other nutrients and their benefits-
L-carnitine- is an amino acid produced by the body that transports fat into the mitochondria to undergo beta-oxidation. It provides energy for the sperm and is important for optimal sperm motility. L-carnitine has been shown to increase sperm quality and increase pregnancy rate (Lenzi, 2003).
Zinc- is an essential trace mineral that plays a role in sperm formation, testosterone metabolism, and cell motility. Zinc is a cofactor for superoxide dismutase, an important enzymatic antioxidant. Zinc supplementation has been shown to increase testosterone levels, sperm counts, and motility (Fuse, 1999; Hunt, 1992; Kynaston, 1988; Netter, 1981).
Folic acid- is required for conversion of uracil to thymine in the synthesis of DNA. Low levels of folic acid have been associated with a decreased sperm count and motility. In a recent study, the combination of zinc and folic acid resulted in a 74% increase in total normal sperm count in subfertile men (Wong, 2002).
ConceptionXR®
ConceptionXR® is a safe, evidence-based nutritional supplement designed to support normal male fertility. It contains antioxidants (vitamins C and E, selenium, L-carnitine, and lycopene) to decrease oxidative stress in the semen, along with other nutrients (folic acid and zinc) to support normal sperm production.
What makes ConceptionXR® different?
- Academically-based Medical Advisory Board oversees product formulation
- Evidence-based, multi-component formulation
- Extended release technology provides improved bioavailability
- Not an herbal formula
- Contains NO “proprietary blends”
- Contains NO undisclosed content
- Independently certified by NSF® International, a non-profit agency whose certification ensures content accuracy, purity, and freedom from contaminants
