A growing body of evidence suggests that antioxidants may have significant value in addressing infertility issues in both women and men, including erectile dysfunction and researchers say that large, specific clinical studies are merited to determine how much they could help.
A new analysis, published online in the journal Pharmacological Research, noted that previous studies on the potential for antioxidants to help address this serious and growing problem have been inconclusive, but that other data indicates nutritional therapies may have significant potential.
The findings were made by Tory Hagen, in the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, and Francesco Visioli, lead author of the study at the Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies in Spain. The results from early research have been equivocal, Hagen said, but that may be because they were too small or did not focus on antioxidants. Laboratory and in-vitro studies have been very promising, especially with some newer antioxidants such as lipoic acid that have received much less attention.
RPMG's Dr. David Meldrum has written extensively on the effect of diet and supplements including his book, "The Survival of the Firmest." For more information see the Lifestyle and Fertility pages of our website.
Recent abstracts presented at national meetings show the value of both antioxidants and omega-3 's (fish oil) for improving both sperm and egg quality. These effects are expected to be greater for older couples. The rate of DNA fragmentation of the sperm increases with age, and antioxidants decrease that rate. Antioxidant levels around the sperm and eggs decrease with age, and in women those levels correlate with egg and embryo quality and pregnancy rates. Antioxidants and omega-3's also help erectile function, which will help couples time relations more effectively, and will help counteract the effects of infertility and stress in eroding sexual function and satisfaction. Visit http://www.erectile-function.com, where you will get lots of great information on ways to enhance erectile function, and click on the tab describing the benefits of some of these same interventions on fertility. The site also gives recommended natural sources and doses of supplements and links to where you can order them .