Male preconceptional training: the role of nutrition and nutrient complexes. Part 1

Introduction. One of the reasons for the decline in the reproductive function of men is an unbalanced diet. This review is devoted to the assessment of the role of such nutrients as vitamin E, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium and arginine in the occurrence of male infertility: their role in spermatogenesis and the possibility of clinical application are shown. Materials and methods. Publications from domestic and international databases (Russian State Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) were analyzed: original studies, relevant chapters in collective monographs available to the authors, reviews, incl. Cochrane, meta-analyses over the last 20 years. When searching in electronic databases, the following keywords were used: male infertility, food products, oxidative stress, male infertility therapy, nutrients, incl. the name of individual substances: carnitines, ubiquinone/coenzyme Q10, selenium, zinc, vitamin E, arginine in various combinations. Results. From the standpoint of fundamental sciences (physiology and biochemistry) and, at the same time, data from clinical medicine, the role of various nutrients in the implementation of male reproductive function, as well as their use for preconception preparation of men, is considered. A quantitative assessment of the effectiveness of isolated and complex use of these nutrients to increase the concentration and mobility, improve morphology, reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage in spermatozoa is given. Conclusion. Nutrients play an important role in metabolic processes during the formation and maturation of spermatozoa. Their deficiency leads to impaired reproductive function, and additional intake in the form of dietary supplements can lead to an increase in the likelihood of pregnancy and live births due to improved motility, concentration and fragmentation of sperm DNA. At the same time, today it is difficult to give any clear recommendations for their use in infertile men. A significant number of studies lack randomized and placebo-controlled groups. Randomized controlled trials of sufficient power, taking into account the deficiency of individual nutrients, should be planned to clarify the indications for the use of specific dietary supplements in the concept training of men.