Researchers led by Michael Golding published a study in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology using mouse models to test two common antioxidants, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and selenium. Male mice received the antioxidants for six weeks before mating, and fathers did not show clear changes in general health.
Offspring of those males showed changes in skull and facial shape. Female offspring had significantly closer-set eyes and smaller skulls. The team notes these facial features also appear in fetal alcohol syndrome, a condition the lab has previously studied in relation to paternal alcohol use.
The researchers expected antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress but found that high doses can be unbalanced and harmful. They advise caution for men taking high-dose antioxidant supplements, especially when planning to have children soon, and warn that some multivitamins contain very high levels of antioxidant ingredients.
Difficult words
- antioxidant — a substance that protects cells from damageantioxidants
- offspring — the children of an animal or person
- oxidative stress — damage to cells caused by reactive oxygen
- paternal — related to a father or fathers
- skull — the bones that cover and protect the headskulls
- harmful — causing damage or negative effects
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Discussion questions
- Do you think men should use high-dose antioxidant supplements when planning a family? Why or why not?
- How might a father's health or supplements affect his children, based on this study?
- What would you ask the researchers if you could talk to them?
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