The benefits of selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine on sperm quality for men with certain types of infertility only last while they're taking the supplements, and may go away after stopping.
Scientific Claim
The effects of selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation on semen parameters in infertile men with idiopathic oligo-asthenoteratospermia are limited to the 26-week treatment period and may not persist after treatment cessation.
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 design included a treatment-free period but did not report results from this period, so it is accurate to state that the study does not provide evidence about persistence of effects after treatment cessation.
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.