A study in mice tested two common antioxidants, including NAC and selenium. Male mice received the antioxidants for a period before they mated. Researchers expected the supplements to lower oxidative stress.
Instead, offspring of treated males showed different skull and face shapes. Female offspring had closer-set eyes and smaller skulls. The researchers say high, regular antioxidant doses can be unbalanced and may harm sperm. They recommend men planning children use caution and avoid very large supplement doses.
Difficult words
- antioxidant — substances that protect cells from damageantioxidants
- oxidative stress — cell damage caused by harmful oxygen molecules
- offspring — children or babies of an animal or person
- sperm — male reproductive cells that fertilize eggs
- dose — the amount of a drug or supplementdoses
- recommend — to tell people what is best to do
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Discussion questions
- If you were planning a child, would you change your supplement use? Why or why not?
- Do you think taking large doses of supplements is safe? Explain briefly.
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