Taking selenium or N-acetyl-cysteine for 6 months doesn't have enough data to know if it's safe long-term for men with certain types of infertility.
Scientific Claim
Selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation for 26 weeks does not demonstrate long-term safety in infertile men with idiopathic oligo-asthenoteratospermia.
Original Statement
“The study included 468 infertile men with idiopathic oligo-asthenoteratospermia who were randomized to receive... for 26 weeks, followed by a 30-week treatment-free period.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The study did not measure long-term safety beyond the 56-week total study period (26 weeks treatment + 30 weeks treatment-free), so it is accurate to state that it does not demonstrate long-term safety.
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.