Correlation between Dietary Antioxidant Intake and Sperm Parameters in Infertile Men with Oligozoospermia

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Infertility is one of the disorders, which its prevalence is increasing and several factors associated with reduction of sperm quality, can play an important role in this disorder. The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between dietary antioxidants intake and sperm quality in infertile men with oligozoospermia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 175 infertile men with oligozoospermia in Isfahan Infertility Center in 2018. In this study, a food frequency questionnaire with confirmed validity, was used to assess dietary intake. Sperm sample was collected with 3-day abstinence of sex, and two samples were taken for more assurance. Sperm parameters (concentration, motility, count, and morphology), were evaluated according to WHO standards. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between each antioxidant and sperm quality parameters. Dara were analyzed using linear regression and covariance analysis. Results: In this study, the mean age of the subjects was 32.19 years. The mean weight and body mass index of the individuals, were 85.28kg and 26.87kg/m2. There was a significant reverse correlation between beta-carotene and vitamin C intake with DFI. Also, there was a significant correlation between the intake of lutein and beta-cryptoxanthine with the count and concentration of sperm. Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicated an inverse correlation between some of the antioxidants and related sperm parameters. Therefore, broader research with a higher target community, is required for further investigation.

Keywords

• antioxidants
• food frequency
• infertility
• sperm parameters
• sperm motility