TITLE:
Restoring Male Fertility Impaired by Heavy Metal Exposure: A Study on the Effectiveness of a Combined Antioxidant Supplementation with Coenzyme Q10, Zinc, and D-Aspartic Acid
AUTHORS:
Francesca Sciarra, Sofia Nardi, Arianna Pacchiarotti
KEYWORDS:
Male Infertility, Heavy Metals, Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants, Coenzyme Q10, Zinc, D-Aspartic Acid, Semen Analysis, Sperm Motility
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.13 No.10,
October
22,
2025
ABSTRACT: Background: Male infertility has increasingly been associated with environmental factors, particularly exposure to heavy metals, which induce oxidative stress and impair spermatogenesis and sperm function. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of heavy metal exposure on male reproductive health and to assess the efficacy of a 3-month oral supplementation with coenzyme Q10, zinc, and D-aspartic acid in restoring sperm motility and overall semen quality. Methods: A cohort of 35 men with occupational exposure to heavy metals was enrolled. After excluding other confounding factors, semen samples were collected and analyzed. Participants were divided into a treatment group that received the antioxidant supplement for 3 months and a control group that did not receive treatment. Pre- and post-treatment semen parameters were compared. Results: Significant improvements in sperm motility were observed in the treatment group compared to controls. The supplement was effective in mitigating oxidative stress and restoring antioxidant enzyme function. Conclusion: The combined supplementation with coenzyme Q10, zinc, and D-aspartic acid offers a promising therapeutic approach to improve semen quality in men exposed to environmental reproductive toxicants.