EFFECT OF ASCORBIC-ACID SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE SPERM QUALITY OF SMOKERS

Objective: To determine the effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on the sperm quality of heavy smokers. Design: Microscopic examination of semen for 1 month during supplementation with placebo or ascorbic acid at dose levels of 200 or 1,000 mg/d. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch. Participants: Seventy-five men (20 to 35 years old) randomly divided into one of three supplementation groups: placebo, 200 mg and 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid. Main Outcome: Improvement in sperm quality as compared with presupplementation levels and between the three treatment groups. Results: The placebo group showed no improvement in sperm quality. The groups receiving ascorbic acid showed improvement in sperm quality with most improvement in the 1,000-mg group. Pearson's correlation showed statistically significant relationships between the weekly group means of serum and seminal plasma ascorbic acid levels and sperm qualities. Conclusions: Ascorbic acid supplementation of heavy smokers in excess of 200 mg/d results in improved sperm quality.