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Vitamin D and Male Reproduction: Updated Evidence Based on Literature Review

2022; Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute; Volume: 14; Issue: 16 Linguagem: Inglês

10.3390/nu14163278

2072-6643

Gloria Calagna, Valeria Catinella, Salvatore Polito, Antonio Schiattarella, Pasquale De Franciscis, F. D’Antonio, Giuseppe Calì, A Perino, Gaspare Cucinella,

Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals

The purpose of this study was to clarify the vitamin D (VD) effect on male infertility. Our research was conducted using the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library. Selection criteria included all published randomized controlled trials and non-randomized studies, focusing on vitamin D and male reproductive function. The results showed that the effects of VD on male reproduction has been investigated in three different topics: the molecular mechanism underlying VD effects on semen quality (SQ), the relationship between VD levels and SQ, and the effect of VD supplementation on SQ. Results supported the hypothesis of a relevant interrelation between concentrations of male VD and semen parameters, with particular reference to sperm motility; on the contrary, evidence on the effect of VD on male sex steroid hormone levels was inconclusive. The results of this review hold up the thesis that VD plays a role in male reproduction. Most of the data highlighted a positive effect on semen quality, particularly in sperm motility, both in fertile and infertile men. Additional dedicated studies are required to elucidate the still controversial aspects of this topic.