In this earlier post I shared emerging research on the impacts of Covid-19 infection on sperm parameters, primarily through inflammatory and oxidative damage.
A new Iranian study looked at men who had normal sperm parameters previously to Covid-19 infection, and in the 3 months post-infection had significant sperm impairments including concentration, motility and morphology.
The study trialed N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) 600mg/day for 3 months, and found significant improvements in all sperm parameters in the treatment group, including volume, concentration, motility and morphology.
As one of the most potent anti-oxidants, NAC is a known supportive nutrient for sperm health, as sperm are vulnerable to numerous inflammatory and oxidative threats in addition to Covid-19 infections. NAC is known to stimulate and sustain intra-cellular glutathione levels and to detoxify reactive oxygen species. It is exciting to see the research around sperm health and NAC treatments for oxidative damage expand to post-Covid fertility patients as well!
I hope you have found this helpful, and do let me know if you have any questions!
If you are hungry for more evidence-based information for your fertility or pregnancy journey, visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com for free webinars and complete programs.
And if you are a care-provider looking for evidence-based resources for your fertility or pregnancy patients, please get in touch with us at support@myhealthypregnancyplan.com, or visit www.myhealthypregnancyplan.com/ce-courses-for-naturopathic-doctors.
In health,
Dr Jocelyn Land-Murphy, ND
Terra Life
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References:
Rafiee, B. et al. (2021). The effect of N-acetyl cysteine consumption on men with abnormal sperm parameters due to positive history of COVID-19 in the last three months. Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 93(4).