Antioxidants and Male Fertility: What You Need to Know

Do antioxidants really improve male fertility? The answer is nuanced. Research, including a recent study published by the Fertilys team, shows that antioxidants can improve sperm quality — by acting on motility, concentration, morphology, and even protecting DNA. However, these improvements do not always lead to a direct increase in pregnancy or live birth rates.

In other words, antioxidants represent a promising avenue, but not a miracle solution. In this blog, we simplify the conclusions of this scientific review to help you understand the role of antioxidants and what to take away when it comes to male fertility.

Why talk about antioxidants in male fertility?

Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free radicals, also called reactive oxygen species (ROS). These free radicals are naturally produced in our bodies and, in small amounts, they even contribute to normal sperm functions such as maturation.

However, when produced in excess, they cause oxidative stress that can damage sperm DNA, cell membranes, and mitochondria. The result: sperm motility, concentration, and morphology can be impaired, reducing the chances of conception.

How does oxidative stress affect fertility?

Oxidative stress is considered one of the main factors associated with male infertility, which accounts for about half of infertility cases in couples.

Several lifestyle and environmental factors can increase oxidative stress:

• Tobacco and e-cigarettes, which reduce sperm motility and increase DNA damage.

• Pollution and pesticides, which contribute to sperm DNA fragmentation.

• Obesity, which causes hormonal imbalance and overproduction of free radicals.

• Excessive alcohol consumption, which disrupts reproductive hormone production.

• Excessive heat (varicocele, frequent saunas, laptops on the lap), which affects sperm production.

In other words, too many free radicals act like premature wear on the delicate machinery of sperm, compromising their ability to fertilize the egg.

Which antioxidants are the most studied?

There are many types of antioxidants, but some have been more closely studied for their impact on male fertility. These include:

• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): plays a key role in mitochondrial energy production, essential for sperm motility.

• Vitamin C: protects sperm DNA and supports concentration and morphology.

• Vitamin E: fights lipid peroxidation and may improve pregnancy outcomes in certain cases.

• Vitamin D: linked to hormonal regulation and sperm motility.

• Zinc and selenium: essential minerals for sperm structure, stability, and protection.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: contribute to membrane fluidity and reduce inflammation.

• L-carnitine: supports energy metabolism and sperm maturation.

These nutrients are partly found in foods such as fish, nuts, and colorful fruits and vegetables, but they are also available as supplements.

Do antioxidant supplements really improve fertility?

This is the big question many couples ask. Studies show encouraging but not always consistent results.

Some clinical trials report that antioxidant supplements improve sperm concentration, motility, and even DNA integrity. For example:

• CoQ10 often improves motility.

• Vitamins C and E reduce DNA fragmentation.

• Zinc increases sperm concentration.

However, these improvements do not always translate into higher pregnancy or live birth rates. Results also vary depending on dosage, treatment duration, and patient profiles.

In summary: antioxidants appear beneficial, but they are not a miracle cure. They may be part of a broader strategy but must be adapted to each situation.

Lifestyle changes: a first essential step

Before considering supplements, it is essential to address lifestyle. Research highlights that a diet rich in natural antioxidants plays a protective role against oxidative damage.

A few simple tips:

• Favor a Mediterranean-style diet (fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, olive oil).

• Reduce consumption of processed foods, alcohol, and sugary drinks.

• Quit smoking and avoid e-cigarettes.

• Maintain a healthy weight and practice moderate physical activity.

• Limit exposure to excessive heat and pollutants.

Combined with dietary antioxidants, these changes provide a solid foundation to support fertility.

Should you take antioxidant supplements for male fertility?

It is tempting to turn to supplements, especially during a difficult fertility journey. Yet research reminds us that antioxidants must be used with caution.

• In some cases, they can be helpful — for example, after varicocele surgery or in men with high sperm DNA fragmentation.

• However, poorly chosen combinations or excessive doses may have the opposite effect, known as the antioxidant paradox. Too many antioxidants can disrupt the natural balance that sperm need to function properly.

That’s why it is always best to consult a specialist before starting supplementation. At Fertilys, the approach is personalized: each patient’s profile, lifestyle, and test results are evaluated before suggesting a strategy.

Antioxidants: one tool among many for male fertility

Antioxidants and male fertility are at the heart of many studies, and results are promising. They can protect sperm from oxidative damage and improve certain sperm parameters.

However, they are not a substitute for a comprehensive approach: a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition, and personalized medical care remain essential.

At Fertilys, we believe it is important to continue research to better identify which patients benefit most from supplements and under what conditions. In the meantime, couples should remember that every small step — diet, exercise, stress management, and medical follow-up — contributes to improving their chances of building their family.

Researchers and Physicians Involved

David Bouhadana, Marie-Hélène Godin Pagé, Debbie Montjean, Marie-Claire Bélanger, Moncef Benkhalifa, Pierre Miron, and Francis Petrella, researchers and clinicians specializing in urology and fertility.