Taking 200 micrograms of selenium every day for about 6 months helps men with certain types of infertility have better sperm quality, including more sperm, better movement, and better shape.
Scientific Claim
Oral supplementation with 200 mcg selenium daily for 26 weeks significantly improves sperm concentration, motility, and morphology in infertile men with idiopathic oligo-asthenoteratospermia.
Original Statement
“All semen parameters significantly improved with selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine treatment.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
This is a randomized controlled trial with placebo control, which can establish causation for the specific population and intervention. The study design supports causal language for the specific outcomes measured.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Efficacy of selenium and/or N-acetyl-cysteine for improving semen parameters in infertile men: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study.