Role of trace mineral deficiencies in decreased fertility and infertility (clinical lecture)

Abstract

The clinical lecture is a continuation of our report on antioxidants published in one of the preceding issues of the magazine. In the current context of COVID-19 epidemic, the efforts to struggle for preservation of human life and health using all possible sanitary and anti-epidemic (preventive) measures, as well as advanced diagnostic and therapeutic tools, imply fertility preservation in the population together with positive solutions to national demographic challenges in the long term. Testicles are one of the reservoirs for the virus in the male body. This is indirectly confirmed by the sex hormone level alterations in COVID-19 survivors compared to healthy people. Oxidative stress associated with impaired fertility results from antioxidant and trace mineral deficiency. The role of trace minerals, zinc and selenium, in these processes together with possible approaches to adjustment of their levels in the context of COVID-19 pandemic are discussed in detail.

Keywords

• trace minerals
• covid-19 pandemic
• fertility
• sexual constitution
• blood–testis barrier
• zinc deficiency
• selenium deficiency
• treatment of zinc and selenium deficienc