From the Guidelines
Males taking N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for sperm health should be aware that the current evidence does not strongly support its use for improving fertility outcomes, as stated in the 2017 study published in Human Reproduction Update 1. The use of NAC as an antioxidant to improve sperm health is based on the concept that oxidative stress plays a key role in sperm dysfunction and male infertility. However, the evidence to support the use of antioxidants, including NAC, for infertile men is of low quality, and there is a lack of robust data on live birth and clinical pregnancy rates 1. Some key points to consider include:
- The 2017 study analyzed 48 published studies on the use of antioxidants for infertile men and found that only 7 trials reported on clinical pregnancy rate, and only 4 of these reported live births 1.
- The study concluded that further large, well-designed randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to clarify the results and that there are insufficient data to recommend the use of supplemental antioxidant therapies for the treatment of men with abnormal semen parameters and/or male infertility 1.
- While NAC may improve seminal oxidative status in infertile men by decreasing oxidative stress or increasing the total antioxidant capacity, the evidence is of poor quality, and more detailed studies are required 1. In real-life clinical practice, a cautious approach is recommended, and males seeking to improve sperm health should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential benefits and limitations of NAC supplementation, as well as other lifestyle modifications that may support reproductive health.
From the Research
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) for Sperm Health
- NAC has been shown to improve sperm parameters such as concentration, motility, and morphology in infertile men 2, 3, 4.
- The antioxidant properties of NAC help reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA and impair fertility 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have demonstrated that NAC supplementation can increase sperm count, motility, and normal morphology, while decreasing DNA fragmentation and oxidative stress markers 2, 3, 4.
COVID-19 and Sperm Health
- COVID-19 infection has been shown to negatively impact sperm parameters, including concentration, motility, and morphology 2.
- NAC consumption has been found to improve sperm quality in men who have had COVID-19 infection, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit 2.
Mechanism of Action
- NAC's antioxidant properties help protect sperm from oxidative damage, which can improve sperm quality and fertility 3, 4, 5.
- NAC may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which could contribute to its beneficial effects on sperm health 5.
Dosage and Duration
- The optimal dosage and duration of NAC supplementation for sperm health are not well established, but studies have used doses ranging from 600-1500 mg/day for 3-6 months 2, 3, 4.
- Further research is needed to determine the most effective dosage and duration of NAC supplementation for improving sperm health.