Antioxidants (men, mixed/combo formulas)
The verdict
Very low-certainty live-birth signal that disappears when lower-quality trials are excluded; ASRM calls benefit unproven.
Combination antioxidant formulas (vitamin E/C, selenium, zinc, etc.) heavily marketed as "sperm health" or "motility" supplements.
What the evidence shows
Cochrane (de Ligny 2022, 90 RCTs, 18 antioxidants, >10,000 men): very low-certainty evidence antioxidants may improve live birth (16 per 100 vs 17-27 per 100 couples) — but this signal disappeared when high-risk-of-bias studies were excluded. No increased miscarriage risk; mild GI discomfort possible.
ASRM (AUA/ASRM male infertility guideline): counsel patients that supplement benefits are "of questionable clinical utility," with inadequate data to recommend specific agents.
Evidence tier
Cochrane review (weak)🔵 A Cochrane systematic review exists; evidence is low/very-low certainty.
Sources
Take this further
Last reviewed .