Types and Sources of Antioxidants that Role in Determining Fertility Level

Abstract

Abstract Lifestyle and exposure to free radicals affect a person’s fertility. ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) in excess can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage (deoxyribonucleic acid). Adequate intake of antioxidants is needed to maintain ROS levels. This review aims to determine the types and sources of antioxidants that play a role in determining a person’s fertility level. This research is a narrative review by a literature review method by collecting and concluding data from previous studies. The search for research articles was carried out on Scopus, Science Direct, Clinical Key, SpringerLink, BMC, and Google Schoolar portals with keywords foodstuffs, antioxidants, and infertility which found 8,745 articles. A total of 75 articles met the inclusion-exclusion criteria for use in writing this article. The research took time in 2022. Most antioxidants take a role in determining male fertility, such as glutathione, selenium, carotenoids (beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, beta-carotene, and lutein), zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids. NAM (Nicotinamide) and carvacrol play a role in determining female fertility. These antioxidants can be found in fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and several other plants. Consumption of antioxidant sources is highly recommended to increase fertility, especially for infertile couples