Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on the sperm quality of smokers

To determine the effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on the sperm quality of heavy smokers. Microscopic examination of semen for 1 month during supplementation with placebo or ascorbic acid at dose levels of 200 or 1,000mg/d. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch. Seventy-five men (20 to 35 years old) randomly divided into one of three supplementation groups: placebo, 200mg and 1,000mg of ascorbic acid. Improvement in sperm quality as compared with presupplementation levels and between the three treatment groups. 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. Ascorbic acid supplementation of heavy smokers in excess of 200mg/d results in improved sperm quality.