Taking both selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine together for 6 months works better for improving sperm quality than taking either one alone for men with certain types of infertility.
Scientific Claim
Combined oral supplementation with 200 mcg selenium and 600 mg N-acetyl-cysteine daily for 26 weeks produces additive beneficial effects on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology compared to either supplement alone in infertile men with idiopathic oligo-asthenoteratospermia.
Original Statement
“Administering selenium plus N-acetyl-cysteine resulted in additive beneficial effects.”
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 multiple intervention groups, which can establish causal relationships between the combination treatment and additive effects. The study design supports causal language for this specific comparison.
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.