Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) has a longstanding association with male reproductive health, dating back to early animal studies in the 1920s that showed deficiency led to infertility in rats. In humans, Vitamin E is recognized as a lipid-soluble antioxidant, protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage. The male reproductive system, particularly sperm cells, is highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which can impair sperm motility, viability, and DNA integrity.

Several small clinical studies have investigated Vitamin E supplementation in men with infertility, with mixed results. Some trials suggest that Vitamin E, alone or in combination with other antioxidants, can improve certain semen parameters (such as motility and morphology) and may enhance pregnancy rates in couples with male factor infertility. However, larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are lacking, and meta-analyses conclude that while there may be benefit, the evidence is not robust or consistent enough to make strong clinical recommendations.

Vitamin E continues to be used as an adjunctive therapy for male infertility, especially in cases suspected to involve oxidative stress. Nevertheless, its effectiveness is rated moderate to low (2/5) due to the limited and inconsistent nature of the supporting clinical evidence. There is clear biological plausibility and some supportive data, but more high-quality research is needed to establish efficacy.

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