The Effect of Lycopene Supplementation on Mood Status and Quality of Life in Infertile Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Infertility is a major worldwide problem which is affected by several factors such as environmental, physiological, and genetic conditions. Several studies have shown that oxidative stress or reduction of antioxidant defense can contribute to pathogenesis and depression symptoms. Lycopene is one of the most important antioxidants that can contribute to reducing or preventing the psychological damage that affects infertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lycopene supplementation on depression, anxiety and stress scales and quality of life in infertile men.

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study 44 infertile men with oligozoospermia were randomly divided into two groups, the experimental group was supplemented with 25 mg lycopene once a day and the control group received placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric, physical activity, dietary assessment, mood status including depression, anxiety, stress and quality of life scores were measured pre- and post-intervention.

There were no significant differences between depression scores, anxiety and stress between the two groups while depression score significantly decreased in both groups compared to the baseline levels. No significant differences were observed on four domains of quality of life, except psychological domain was improved in the lycopene group compared to baseline (P<0.05).

Short term supplementation of lycopene has no effect on mood status and quality of life except psychological status in infertile men. This field warrants futher studies.