Figure 3.

Dietary modulators of sperm mitochondrial function. Nutrients are modulators of oxidative stress and testosterone levels, which are strictly linked to sperm mitochondrial function, a key element related to sperm quality. In fact, in addition to their basic role in ATP synthesis, mitochondria are a major source of ROS, which are key mediators of cellular physiology and pathology. Fatty acids and several plant antioxidant molecules can target the mitochondria, improving and/or restoring their function, by acting on the ATP and ROS levels. These molecules can regulate sperm motility, capacitation, and fertilization, thus affecting sperm quality.