This study doesn't show that selenium or N-acetyl-cysteine helps men with infertility from other causes have better sperm quality or fertility.

Scientific Claim

The study does not provide evidence that selenium and N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation improves fertility outcomes in men with infertility due to causes other than 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.”

From study:Efficacy of selenium and/or N-acetyl-cysteine for improving semen parameters in infertile men: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study.

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 specifically enrolled men with a specific diagnosis of infertility (idiopathic oligo-asthenoteratospermia), so it is accurate to state that it does not provide evidence for men with other causes of infertility.

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.

Randomized Controlled Trial

Human

2009 Feb

Contradicting (0)

No contradicting evidence found

Source Study

Efficacy of selenium and/or N-acetyl-cysteine for improving semen parameters in infertile men: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study.

Score: 68

DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2008.10.015

Similar Assertions

This study doesn't show that selenium or N-acetyl-cysteine helps men without specific infertility issues have better sperm quality or fertility.

90%

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.

88%

Taking selenium or N-acetyl-cysteine for 6 months doesn't seem to help men with certain types of infertility have babies, even though it improves sperm quality.

88%

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.

88%

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.

86%