A team led by Michael Golding at Texas A&M University published research in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology showing that regular, high doses of two common antioxidants — N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and selenium — can harm sperm and alter offspring development in mice. Male mice received the antioxidants for six weeks before mating, and the fathers did not show obvious changes in general health.
Offspring of treated males displayed measurable changes in skull and facial shape; female offspring in particular had smaller skulls and eyes set closer together. Golding points out that face and brain form together during gestation, so facial midline differences often reflect brain midline differences. Such brain differences are linked to problems with impulse control, conditions like epilepsy, and other developmental disorders. Whether these mice will develop central nervous system dysfunction will require further study.
The researchers expected antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress but found that excessive doses can create imbalance and harmful effects. They note previous findings that very large antioxidant doses can blunt exercise benefits in athletes. The team recommends caution for men taking high-dose antioxidant supplements, especially when trying to conceive, and suggests avoiding products that provide 1,000% of the recommended daily amount while aiming near the 100% range when possible. Source: Texas A&M University.
Difficult words
- antioxidant — substance that prevents cell damage from oxygenantioxidants
- oxidative stress — harm to cells caused by reactive oxygen
- offspring — children or young produced by parents
- gestation — period when a fetus develops before birth
- midline — imaginary center line of body or face
- dysfunction — impaired or abnormal working of a body part
- dose — specific amount of a drug or supplementdoses
- supplement — product taken to add nutrients to dietsupplements
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Should men who plan to become fathers change their use of antioxidant supplements because of this study? Why or why not?
- What additional experiments or observations would help determine if the mice develop central nervous system problems later?
- How could public health advice balance possible benefits and risks of high-dose supplements for different groups?
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