Effect | Increase |
Values | Odds ratio and 95% CI. 3.76 (1.66, 8.50) |
Trial Design | Meta analysis |
Trial Length | n/a |
Number of Subjects | 0 |
Sex | Male |
This was a meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of combined acetyl-l-carnitine and l-carnitine on sperm quality for infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (low sperm count, bad sperm movement, and abnormal shape). 7 trials were included, all either 12 or 24 weeks.
Based on 5 trials, there was a statistically significant improvement in the carnitine groups for forward sperm motility, from 4 studies, an improvement in total motile sperm, and from 3 studies forward motile spermatozoa. Based on 5 studies, there was a notable improvement in the rate of pregnancy. Semen volume, sperm concentration, percentage of sperm motility, and atypical forms were not statistically significantly different.