Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin E
For the body system: Male Reproductive System

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Synopsis

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

Vitamin E has some scientific basis for its use in supporting the male reproductive system, though the evidence is limited and not robust. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that has been studied for its protective effects against oxidative stress, which can damage sperm cells and impair male fertility. Some clinical trials and animal studies suggest that vitamin E supplementation may improve sperm motility, count, and overall semen quality, particularly in men with subfertility or those exposed to environmental toxins. For example, a randomized controlled trial published in Fertility and Sterility (2009) found that men taking vitamin E and selenium had improved sperm motility compared to placebo. Other studies have shown mixed results or modest benefits, and high-quality, large-scale human trials are lacking. Vitamin E is sometimes used in combination with other antioxidants in fertility supplements.

Historically, vitamin E was discovered when rats fed a diet deficient in this vitamin became infertile, which originally linked vitamin E to reproductive health. Despite this, current clinical guidelines do not universally recommend vitamin E for male fertility issues due to inconsistent evidence. In summary, while there is some scientific rationale and limited evidence supporting its role in male reproductive health, the strength of evidence is moderate to low, and further research is needed to clarify its efficacy.

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