L-carnitine sperm

L-carnitine and sperm: what it means

L-carnitine sperm refers to the relationship between L-carnitine—a nutrient-like compound involved in cellular energy production—and sperm health, especially sperm motility. In men’s fertility, L-carnitine is most often discussed as a supplement that may support sperm movement, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress balance.

L-carnitine is naturally made in the body and obtained from foods, particularly red meat and dairy. It is highly concentrated in the epididymis, the coiled tube where sperm mature after they leave the testicles. Because mature sperm need significant energy to swim effectively, researchers have studied whether L-carnitine and related forms such as acetyl-L-carnitine can help men with low sperm motility, sometimes called asthenozoospermia.

The short version: L-carnitine may be helpful for some men with sperm motility issues, particularly as part of a broader fertility plan, but it is not a guaranteed fix and should not replace a semen analysis, medical evaluation, or treatment of underlying causes such as varicocele, infection, hormonal imbalance, heat exposure, or lifestyle factors.

Key takeaways
What L-carnitine does in the body
Why L-carnitine matters for sperm health
L-carnitine and sperm motility
L-carnitine vs acetyl-L-carnitine vs propionyl-L-carnitine
What the research says
Who might benefit from L-carnitine for sperm?
Dosage, timing, and how long it takes
Semen analysis and related fertility tests
What’s normal vs what’s not?
Safety, side effects, and interactions
How to support sperm health beyond L-carnitine
Questions to ask your doctor
FAQs
References

Key takeaways

L-carnitine helps move fatty acids into mitochondria, where cells convert them into energy. Sperm depend heavily on energy production for movement.
L-carnitine is naturally concentrated in the epididymis, the part of the male reproductive tract where sperm mature and gain swimming ability.
The strongest fertility interest is sperm motility, especially progressive motility, which is the ability of sperm to swim forward effectively.
Some studies suggest L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine may improve sperm motility in certain men, but results vary and pregnancy outcomes are less certain.
It usually takes at least 3 months to judge whether a sperm supplement is helping, because sperm development takes roughly 2 to 3 months.
L-carnitine is not a stand-alone fertility treatment. Low sperm motility can be caused by varicocele, infection, oxidative stress, heat, smoking, obesity, medications, hormonal issues, or genetic factors.
Side effects are usually mild, such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, or a fishy body odor, but L-carnitine can interact with certain medications, including warfarin.

What does L-carnitine do in the body?

L-carnitine is a naturally occurring compound made from the amino acids lysine and methionine. It is not technically an essential amino acid because the body can produce it, but it is often described as a vitamin-like nutrient because it plays a specialized role in metabolism.

Its best-known job is helping transport long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. Mitochondria are the energy-producing structures inside cells. Once fatty acids enter the mitochondria, they can be broken down through beta-oxidation to help generate adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, the body’s usable energy currency.

That energy role matters in many tissues, including the heart, skeletal muscle, and male reproductive tract. For sperm, energy availability is especially important because motility requires coordinated tail movement, mitochondrial function, and a healthy cellular environment.

Where does L-carnitine come from?

The body produces L-carnitine mainly in the liver, kidneys, and brain. It is also obtained through diet. Animal foods are the richest sources, especially:

Beef and lamb
Pork
Fish and poultry
Milk and dairy products

Plant foods contain much smaller amounts. Most healthy adults make and obtain enough L-carnitine for general metabolism, but fertility-focused supplementation is different from correcting a true deficiency. It is intended to raise available carnitine levels in reproductive tissues or semen, not simply to prevent deficiency.

Why L-carnitine matters for sperm health

L-carnitine matters for sperm because sperm are energy-sensitive cells. To reach and fertilize an egg, sperm must survive the female reproductive tract, move efficiently, undergo biochemical changes, and maintain DNA integrity. Energy production, oxidative stress control, and membrane function all influence this process.

In the male reproductive tract, L-carnitine is especially concentrated in the epididymis. This is significant because sperm that leave the testicles are not fully mature. During epididymal transit, sperm acquire better motility and fertilizing capacity. Carnitine levels in epididymal fluid are thought to be part of the environment that supports this maturation.

How L-carnitine may support sperm

Energy metabolism: L-carnitine helps fatty acids enter mitochondria for energy production, which may support sperm movement.
Mitochondrial function: The midpiece of the sperm contains mitochondria that help power motility.
Epididymal maturation: High carnitine concentration in the epididymis suggests a role in sperm development after testicular production.
Oxidative stress balance: L-carnitine may have antioxidant-related effects, although it is not a classic antioxidant like vitamin C or vitamin E.
Membrane stability: Some research suggests carnitine may help protect sperm cell membranes from oxidative damage.

These mechanisms are biologically plausible, but fertility outcomes depend on many variables. A man’s sperm health is influenced by hormones, testicular function, genetics, lifestyle, illness, inflammation, environmental exposures, and the health of the reproductive tract.

L-carnitine and sperm motility

The most common reason men search for L-carnitine and sperm is sperm motility. Motility describes how well sperm move. It is one of the core measurements reported on a semen analysis.

There are different types of sperm motility:

Progressive motility: Sperm swim forward in a straight line or large circles. This is especially important for natural conception.
Non-progressive motility: Sperm move but do not make meaningful forward progress.
Total motility: The percentage of sperm with any movement, including progressive and non-progressive movement.
Immotile sperm: Sperm that do not move.

Low sperm motility is called asthenozoospermia. It can reduce the chance that sperm will travel through cervical mucus, reach the fallopian tube, and fertilize an egg. However, motility is only one part of fertility. Sperm count, morphology, semen volume, DNA fragmentation, reproductive hormones, ovulation timing, and female-partner factors also matter.

Why energy matters for motility

Sperm movement is driven by the flagellum, the tail-like structure that propels sperm forward. That movement requires ATP. Because L-carnitine helps cells use fatty acids for energy, researchers have investigated whether supplementing with L-carnitine can improve the energy supply needed for sperm motility.

In practical terms, L-carnitine is not used to “make sperm swim” instantly. If it helps, it is more likely to do so over time by supporting sperm maturation, mitochondrial activity, and the biochemical environment in which sperm develop.

L-carnitine vs acetyl-L-carnitine vs propionyl-L-carnitine

Several forms of carnitine appear in male fertility research and supplement labels. They are related, but not identical.

Form	What it is	Why it may matter for sperm	Common fertility context
L-carnitine	The standard biologically active form of carnitine.	Supports fatty acid transport into mitochondria and may support sperm energy metabolism.	Often studied for low sperm motility and general sperm parameters.
Acetyl-L-carnitine	A form of carnitine with an acetyl group attached.	May have additional relevance to mitochondrial and nervous system metabolism; studied alongside L-carnitine in male infertility.	Frequently combined with L-carnitine in studies of asthenozoospermia.
Propionyl-L-carnitine	A carnitine form linked with propionyl groups.	Studied more often in circulation, vascular function, and some male reproductive contexts.	Less commonly used than L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine for sperm supplements.
D-carnitine	A non-biologically preferred isomer.	Not the form generally used for health benefits and may interfere with L-carnitine metabolism.	Not recommended as a fertility supplement.

For sperm health, supplements usually contain L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, or a combination of both. The best form depends on the clinical context, product quality, dosing, tolerability, and advice from a clinician familiar with male fertility.

Does L-carnitine improve sperm? What the research says

Research on L-carnitine for male fertility is promising but not definitive. Some randomized trials and reviews suggest that carnitine supplementation may improve semen parameters, particularly sperm motility, in men with idiopathic infertility or asthenozoospermia. However, study designs, supplement combinations, dosages, treatment duration, and patient populations vary.

That variation matters. A man with low motility due to oxidative stress may respond differently than a man with low motility due to a large varicocele, genetic condition, untreated infection, severe hormonal deficiency, tobacco exposure, or heat-related testicular stress.

Potential benefits studied

Outcome	What L-carnitine may affect	How strong is the evidence?
Sperm motility	May improve total and/or progressive motility in some men, especially those with asthenozoospermia.	Most relevant area of evidence, but results are mixed and not guaranteed.
Sperm concentration	Some studies report improvement, but L-carnitine is not primarily a sperm count treatment.	Variable evidence.
Sperm morphology	May improve in some antioxidant-style supplement protocols, but morphology is complex and difficult to change.	Limited and inconsistent evidence.
Sperm DNA fragmentation	May indirectly help by reducing oxidative stress, but direct evidence for L-carnitine alone is limited.	Emerging but not conclusive.
Pregnancy or live birth	Improved semen parameters do not always translate into pregnancy.	Less certain; many studies are not powered for live birth outcomes.

Important limitation: semen improvement is not the same as fertility success

A semen analysis can improve without pregnancy occurring, and pregnancy can occur even when semen parameters are below reference limits. Fertility is couple-based. If a couple has been trying to conceive without success, both partners deserve a complete evaluation rather than relying on sperm supplements alone.

For men with an abnormal semen analysis, L-carnitine may be one tool in the plan. It should sit alongside a search for treatable causes, appropriate medical care, and a realistic timeline.

Who might benefit from L-carnitine for sperm?

L-carnitine may be worth discussing with a clinician if semen testing shows low sperm motility or if there are signs that oxidative stress or mitochondrial function may be contributing to poor sperm quality.

Men who may be more likely to consider it

Men with low sperm motility on semen analysis
Men with idiopathic male infertility, meaning no clear cause has been found after evaluation
Men using a clinician-guided antioxidant protocol for sperm health
Men preparing for conception or assisted reproductive technology, when advised by a fertility specialist
Men with lifestyles or exposures associated with oxidative stress, such as smoking, obesity, heavy alcohol use, poor sleep, or high heat exposure

Men who should not skip medical evaluation

Supplements can delay diagnosis if they are used as a substitute for proper testing. A semen analysis and reproductive evaluation are especially important if you have:

Been trying to conceive for 12 months, or 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older
A history of undescended testicle, testicular injury, torsion, chemotherapy, radiation, or pelvic surgery
Very low sperm count, no sperm in the ejaculate, or repeated abnormal semen results
Testicular pain, swelling, a lump, or a suspected varicocele
Low libido, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness, or symptoms of low testosterone
Recurrent pregnancy loss with a partner
Known genetic, hormonal, or reproductive tract conditions

L-carnitine dosage for sperm: how much and how long?

There is no single universally approved L-carnitine dosage for male fertility. Clinical studies have used different doses and combinations, often including both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine for several months.

Common research ranges include approximately 1 to 3 grams per day of L-carnitine, sometimes combined with acetyl-L-carnitine. Some protocols use divided doses to improve tolerability. The right approach depends on the individual, medical history, medications, baseline diet, semen findings, and clinician guidance.

How long does L-carnitine take to affect sperm?

Most men should think in months, not days or weeks. Sperm production, called spermatogenesis, takes roughly 74 days, followed by additional maturation in the epididymis. Because of that timeline, fertility clinicians often reassess semen parameters after about 3 months of a lifestyle or supplement intervention.

Some men may need 3 to 6 months to see whether a change is meaningful. If there is no improvement after a well-planned trial, it may be time to re-evaluate causes, dosage, adherence, product quality, or other treatment options.

How to take L-carnitine for sperm health

Start with testing. A semen analysis gives you a baseline for motility, count, morphology, and volume.
Discuss results with a clinician. A reproductive urologist or fertility specialist can identify whether low motility is isolated or part of a larger pattern.
Choose a high-quality product. Look for transparent labeling, reasonable dosing, and third-party testing when possible.
Use it consistently. Sperm-focused supplements are unlikely to help if taken sporadically.
Give it enough time. Recheck semen parameters after roughly 3 months, unless your clinician recommends a different schedule.
Address root causes at the same time. Supplements work best when combined with sleep, nutrition, heat reduction, exercise, and treatment of medical issues.

What test measures sperm health when using L-carnitine?

The main test used to evaluate whether L-carnitine or any fertility intervention is associated with improvement is a semen analysis. This test examines a semen sample under standardized laboratory conditions and reports key sperm and semen parameters.

A semen analysis does not usually measure L-carnitine itself. Specialized research or advanced labs can evaluate seminal markers such as carnitine in certain contexts, but this is not routine for most fertility evaluations.

Key semen analysis parameters

Parameter	What it means	Why it matters
Semen volume	Amount of fluid in the ejaculate.	Low volume may suggest collection issues, obstruction, retrograde ejaculation, low androgen effect, or seminal vesicle/prostate factors.
Sperm concentration	Number of sperm per milliliter of semen.	Affects total sperm available for fertilization.
Total sperm number	Total sperm in the entire ejaculate.	Often more informative than concentration alone.
Total motility	Percentage of sperm that move in any way.	Relevant to sperm’s ability to travel through the reproductive tract.
Progressive motility	Percentage of sperm swimming forward effectively.	One of the most important metrics for natural conception.
Morphology	Percentage of sperm with normal shape by strict criteria.	Can reflect sperm development quality, though interpretation requires care.
Vitality	Percentage of living sperm.	Helpful when motility is very low to distinguish dead from living immotile sperm.

Why repeat testing matters

Semen results naturally fluctuate. Fever, poor sleep, alcohol, heat exposure, illness, recent ejaculation timing, lab variation, and stress can all affect a single result. For this reason, clinicians often recommend at least two semen analyses before making major conclusions, especially if the first test is abnormal.

What’s normal vs what’s not?

The World Health Organization provides reference values for semen parameters based on fertile men, but these are not strict pass-fail cutoffs. A result below a reference limit does not mean pregnancy is impossible, and a result above one does not guarantee fertility.

Still, reference values can help frame whether L-carnitine or other interventions might be relevant.

Semen parameter	WHO 2021 lower reference limit	What a lower result may suggest
Semen volume	1.4 mL	Possible collection issue, obstruction, retrograde ejaculation, or accessory gland factor.
Sperm concentration	16 million/mL	Low sperm production or impaired output.
Total sperm number	39 million per ejaculate	Reduced total sperm available.
Total motility	42%	Reduced movement; may affect ability to reach the egg.
Progressive motility	30%	Reduced forward swimming; a common reason men consider L-carnitine.
Vitality	54% live sperm	More dead sperm than expected, especially relevant when motility is low.
Morphology	4% normal forms	Higher percentage of abnormally shaped sperm; interpretation depends on the full semen profile.

These values are best interpreted with a clinician. The pattern matters more than one number. For example, isolated low progressive motility may lead to a different workup than low count, low motility, and low volume together.

Common causes of low sperm motility

If you are considering L-carnitine because of low motility, it is important to understand what can cause sperm to move poorly. Low motility is not always a nutrient problem.

Possible contributors include:

Varicocele: Enlarged veins around the testicle that can raise testicular temperature and oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress: An imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, which can damage sperm membranes and DNA.
Infection or inflammation: Prostatitis, epididymitis, sexually transmitted infections, or leukocytes in semen may affect sperm function.
Heat exposure: Frequent hot tubs, saunas, laptops on the lap, tight heat-trapping clothing, or occupational heat exposure.
Smoking and vaping: Tobacco and nicotine exposure are associated with poorer semen parameters and oxidative stress.
Heavy alcohol or drug use: Excess alcohol, anabolic steroids, testosterone therapy, opioids, cannabis, and some recreational drugs can impair fertility.
Obesity and metabolic dysfunction: Higher body fat, insulin resistance, and inflammation may affect hormones and sperm quality.
Medications: Some medications can affect ejaculation, hormones, or sperm production.
Hormonal problems: Low testosterone, abnormal FSH or LH, thyroid disease, and elevated prolactin may influence fertility.
Genetic or structural issues: Some men have congenital or acquired conditions affecting sperm transport or function.

Because causes vary, the best fertility plan is targeted. L-carnitine may be reasonable for some men, but it will not correct every cause of low motility.

Is L-carnitine safe? Side effects and interactions

L-carnitine is generally well tolerated when used at typical supplemental doses, but “natural” does not automatically mean risk-free. Side effects and interactions are possible, especially at higher doses or in people with medical conditions.

Possible side effects

Nausea
Stomach cramps
Diarrhea
Heartburn or digestive discomfort
Fishy body odor, breath, or urine odor
Headache in some users

Who should speak with a clinician before taking L-carnitine?

Men taking warfarin or other blood-thinning medication, because interactions have been reported
Men with a history of seizures or seizure disorder
Men with kidney disease or significant liver disease
Men taking multiple medications or undergoing fertility, cancer, or hormone treatment
Men with cardiovascular disease who are concerned about supplement use and TMAO-related research

There has been scientific discussion about L-carnitine, gut bacteria, trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), and cardiovascular risk. This area is complex and not fully settled. It is another reason to avoid unnecessarily high doses and to involve a clinician if you have heart or metabolic disease.

How to support sperm health beyond L-carnitine

L-carnitine works best, if it works for you, as part of a broader sperm-health strategy. Sperm are highly responsive to overall health, inflammation, heat, toxins, and metabolic status.

Evidence-informed ways to support sperm quality

Get a semen analysis first. You cannot improve what you have not measured. A baseline helps you assess progress.
Stop smoking and avoid nicotine exposure. Smoking is consistently associated with worse semen quality and oxidative stress.
Limit alcohol. Heavy alcohol intake can interfere with hormones, testicular function, and sexual health.
Avoid anabolic steroids and unnecessary testosterone therapy. External testosterone can dramatically suppress sperm production.
Reduce heat exposure. Avoid frequent hot tubs and saunas when actively trying to improve sperm parameters.
Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep and circadian disruption can affect testosterone, metabolism, and reproductive health.
Exercise consistently. Moderate physical activity supports metabolic health, hormones, and circulation. Avoid extreme overtraining.
Eat a fertility-supportive diet. Emphasize vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grains, seafood, nuts, olive oil, and adequate protein.
Manage weight and metabolic health. Obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation are linked with poorer semen parameters.
Treat medical causes. Varicocele, infection, hormonal imbalance, and obstruction require targeted care.

Other nutrients often discussed with male fertility

L-carnitine is commonly included in male fertility supplements alongside nutrients involved in antioxidant defense, sperm development, and mitochondrial function. These may include:

Coenzyme Q10
Zinc
Selenium
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Folate
Omega-3 fatty acids
N-acetylcysteine
Lycopene

More is not always better. High-dose antioxidant use can be counterproductive in some settings, and supplements should not be stacked blindly. The goal is to correct gaps and support sperm biology without creating imbalance or delaying appropriate treatment.

Medical treatment options if sperm motility is low

If sperm motility remains low or the semen analysis shows multiple abnormalities, a reproductive urologist may recommend additional testing or treatment. The right approach depends on the cause.

Possible next steps may include:

Repeat semen analysis: Confirms whether low motility is persistent.
Hormone testing: Often includes FSH, LH, total testosterone, sometimes free testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, and thyroid markers.
Physical exam: Checks testicular size, vas deferens presence, and varicocele.
Scrotal ultrasound: May be used when exam findings are unclear.
Infection evaluation: Considered when symptoms, white blood cells in semen, or risk factors are present.
Varicocele repair: May improve semen parameters in selected men with clinical varicocele and infertility.
Medication changes: If a drug is impairing fertility, a clinician may recommend alternatives.
Assisted reproductive technology: Intrauterine insemination, IVF, or ICSI may be considered depending on semen quality and couple factors.

L-carnitine may still be used alongside some of these approaches, but it should not delay evaluation when semen abnormalities are severe or time is important.

Questions to ask your doctor about L-carnitine and sperm

Is my sperm motility truly low, and is it progressive motility, total motility, or both?
Should I repeat my semen analysis before starting supplements?
Do my semen results suggest varicocele, infection, hormone issues, obstruction, or another cause?
Would L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine make sense for my situation?
What dose and duration do you recommend?
Could L-carnitine interact with any medications I take?
When should I recheck my semen analysis?
Should I also test hormones or sperm DNA fragmentation?
At what point should we consider IUI, IVF, or ICSI?
What lifestyle changes are most likely to improve my sperm quality?

Term	Meaning	Connection to L-carnitine
Asthenozoospermia	Low sperm motility.	The sperm issue most commonly linked with L-carnitine research.
Progressive motility	Sperm swimming forward effectively.	A key target when using L-carnitine for sperm movement.
Epididymis	Tube where sperm mature after leaving the testicle.	L-carnitine is highly concentrated here and may support sperm maturation.
Mitochondria	Cellular structures that produce energy.	L-carnitine helps fuel mitochondrial energy metabolism.
Oxidative stress	Damage caused by excess reactive oxygen species.	L-carnitine may help support antioxidant balance indirectly.
Semen analysis	Lab test measuring sperm and semen parameters.	Main way to track whether sperm motility improves over time.
Sperm DNA fragmentation	Damage or breaks in sperm DNA.	May be influenced by oxidative stress, but L-carnitine’s direct role is not fully established.
Varicocele	Enlarged veins around the testicle.	A treatable cause of poor motility that supplements alone may not fix.

Common myths about L-carnitine and sperm

Myth: L-carnitine instantly increases sperm motility

L-carnitine does not work like a stimulant for sperm. Any benefit is expected over weeks to months as new sperm develop and mature.

Myth: Higher doses are always better

Higher doses may increase side effects without improving results. Fertility supplementation should be targeted and appropriately dosed.

Myth: If you take L-carnitine, you do not need a semen analysis

A semen analysis is the main way to know whether motility, count, or morphology is actually abnormal. Supplementing without testing can waste time.

Myth: L-carnitine fixes all male infertility

Male infertility has many causes. L-carnitine may support sperm motility in some men, but it cannot correct every issue, especially structural, genetic, severe hormonal, or obstructive causes.

FAQs about L-carnitine and sperm

Is L-carnitine good for sperm?

L-carnitine may be beneficial for sperm, particularly sperm motility, in some men. It supports mitochondrial energy metabolism and is naturally concentrated in the epididymis, where sperm mature. However, results vary, and it is best used after semen testing and medical guidance.

Does L-carnitine increase sperm count?

Some studies report improvements in sperm concentration or total sperm number, but L-carnitine is more strongly associated with sperm motility than sperm count. Low sperm count can have many causes, including hormonal, genetic, lifestyle, testicular, or obstructive factors.

Does L-carnitine improve sperm motility?

L-carnitine may improve sperm motility in certain men, especially those with asthenozoospermia. The effect is not guaranteed, and improvement usually requires consistent use for around 3 months or longer.

What is the best form of L-carnitine for male fertility?

Both L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine have been studied for male fertility. Some protocols use them together. There is no universally best form for every man, so the choice should depend on semen results, tolerability, product quality, and clinician advice.

How long does L-carnitine take to improve sperm?

Most men should allow about 3 months before retesting semen parameters. Sperm production takes roughly 74 days, and sperm also need time to mature in the epididymis. Some men may require 3 to 6 months to see whether supplementation is helping.

Can I take L-carnitine while trying to conceive?

Many men take L-carnitine while trying to conceive, but it is wise to discuss it with a healthcare professional, especially if you take medications, have kidney disease, have a seizure history, or have abnormal semen results that require evaluation.

Can L-carnitine help with sperm DNA fragmentation?

L-carnitine may indirectly support sperm DNA integrity by helping reduce oxidative stress, but evidence for L-carnitine alone as a sperm DNA fragmentation treatment is limited. Men with high DNA fragmentation should be evaluated for causes such as varicocele, infection, heat exposure, smoking, and oxidative stress.

Should I take L-carnitine with CoQ10?

L-carnitine and CoQ10 are often combined in male fertility supplements because both are involved in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress pathways. That does not mean every man needs both. A clinician can help determine whether a combined antioxidant approach is appropriate.

Can L-carnitine cause infertility?

There is no good evidence that typical L-carnitine supplementation causes male infertility. However, unnecessary high-dose supplement use can cause side effects and may not address the real cause of fertility problems. Use it thoughtfully and monitor results with semen testing.

Is food enough, or do I need an L-carnitine supplement?

Many men get L-carnitine from diet and make it naturally. Fertility studies often use supplemental doses higher than typical dietary intake. Whether you need a supplement depends on your semen analysis, diet, fertility timeline, and medical history.

References

World Health Organization. WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, 6th edition. 2021.
American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Carnitine Fact Sheet for Health Professionals.
Showell MG, Mackenzie-Proctor R, Brown J, Yazdani A, Stankiewicz MT, Hart RJ. Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Updated reviews on antioxidant therapy in male subfertility.
Lenzi A, Sgrò P, Salacone P, et al. A placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial of L-carnitine and L-acetyl-carnitine treatment in men with asthenozoospermia. Fertility and Sterility. 2004.
Balercia G, Regoli F, Armeni T, Koverech A, Mantero F, Boscaro M. Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial on the use of L-carnitine, L-acetylcarnitine, or combined L-carnitine and L-acetylcarnitine in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia. Fertility and Sterility. 2005.
Agarwal A, Virk G, Ong C, du Plessis SS. Effect of oxidative stress on male reproduction. The World Journal of Men’s Health. 2014.