Antioxidant cosupplementation therapy with vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 in patients with oligoasthenozoospermia

Abstract

Objective: Overproduction of reactive oxygen species results in oxidative stress, a deleterious process that damages cell structure as well as lipids, proteins, and DNA. Oxidative stress plays a major role in various human diseases, such as oligoasthenozoospermia syndrome. Materials and methods: We evaluated the effectiveness of antioxidant co-supplementation therapy using vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 in men with oligoasthenozoospermia. Overall, 169 infertile men with oligoasthenozoospermia received antioxidant therapy with 80 mg/day vitamin C, 40 mg/day vitamin E, and 120 mg/day coenzyme Q10. We evaluated spermiogram parameters at baseline and at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. Results: Significant improvements were evident in sperm concentration and motility following coenzyme Q10 therapy. Treatment resulted in 48 (28.4%) partner pregnancies, of which 16 (9.5%) were spontaneous. Significant improvements in sperm cell concentration and sperm motility were observed after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Conclusions: Vitamin C, vitamin E, and coenzyme Q10 supplementation resulted in a significant improvement in certain semen parameters. However, further studies are needed to empirically determine the effect of supplementation on pregnancy rate.