Vitamins and male infertility: role of various vitamins versus oxidative stress

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for regular functions of spermatozoa including acrosome reaction, capacitation, fertilization, etc. But its high amount can be harmful to the function of the sperm cell. Compared to other cells, the sperm cell is more susceptible to oxidative attacks because of the extreme concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the plasmalemma and the minor level of the cytoplasm. A chief factor of sperm genome damage, which is involved in most kinds of infertility in men, is increased oxidative stress. Some micronutrients, such as vitamins C, E, D, B۶, B۹, B۱۲, selenium, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids could have a direct effect on fertility by reducing the ROS level and its detrimental influences on sperm parameters. In humans, the most active form of vitamin E is alpha-tocopherol and the strongest antioxidant, and its most important task is to fight lipid oxidation by free radicals. High concentration of ascorbic acid in seminal plasma probably points to its role in protection of spermatozoa from ROS attacks and preventing oxidative DNA damage. Quality of semen and specific sperm motility seem to be related to vitamin D. Vitamin A plays an important role in spermatogenesis due to its oxidative activity. Vitamins B are cofactors for the main metabolic enzymes of sperm and their deficiency can affect male fertility. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of vitamins in overcoming oxidative stress in male infertility.

Keywords:

Male infertility , oxidative stress , Vitamins , Lipid peroxidation