In this study we determined the associations between lifestyle habits (alcohol intake, smoking, dietary supplements consumption) and morphological and biochemical profile of spermatozoa, as well as the metal profile of seminal plasma from subfertile patients (n=48) from northern Slovakia. Spermatozoa motility was assessed according to a four grade system, A-D, in accordance with the WHO recommendations. Commercial kits were used to carry out all biochemical analyses. Metal concentrations were measured with CVAAS (for Hg) and with FAAS (for all other metals tested). We found that alcohol consumption and smoking had no significant impact on semen quality, but subfertile men taking dietary supplements presented a slightly higher ejaculate volume, spermatozoa concentration and progressive motility, compared to those who took no supplements. With the exception of Hg and Pb, the metals tested (Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn) were found in higher concentrations in men who were taking supplements, but only in the case of Cu was the difference statistically significant (p=0.019). We also noted that numerous of the evaluated parameters were correlated. We conclude that dietary supplements may have a positive impact on semen quality. We also suggest that among people with reproductive dysfunction dietary supplements may be the first step in enhancing semen quality.

24.2.2019