Effect of Local Antioxidant Supplementation on Sperm Quality in Iraqi Men with Oxidative Stress: A Randomized Controlled Tria

الملخص

Background: Male fertility is heavily influenced by oxidative stress, particularly severe in countries that
face environmental challenges. This study aimed to examine the effect on sperm quality parameters of
locally available antioxidant supplementation in Iraqi men diagnosed with oxidative stress.
Methods: A randomised double-blinded placebo controlled trial was conducted to evaluate direct effects
using a sample size of 180 Iraqi men aged 25–45 who presented with infertility and elevated seminal
oxidative stress markers. Participants received locally available antioxidants (pomegranate extract, date
palm pollen and vitamin E) or placebo for a total of 12 weeks. The primary outcome measures include
sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation index.
Results: There were significant improvements in outcomes in the treatment group compared to placebo.
These included sperm concentration that increased by 68.4% (p < 0.001); progressive motility increased
by 45.2% (p < 0.001); normal morphology contributions increased by 52.3% (p < 0.001); the extent of
DNA fragmentation decreased by 41.7% (p < 0.001). There were significant improvements in associated
measures of seminal antioxidant capacity. This was measured by the reduction of malondialdehyde and
increases in total antioxidant capacity.
Conclusion: Antioxidant supplementation using acceptable local products is an effective means to
improve sperm quality measures in Iraqi men diagnosed with infertility associated with oxidative stress,
using a culturally relevant and acceptable intervention.