Folic acid or (Vitamin B9) is well-known for its importance in the prenatal care of women to prevent birth defects. Research also suggests folic acid has benefits for male fertility.
- Sperm Quality: Research demonstrated that supplementation with folic acid and zinc for 6 months resulted in a 74% increase in total normal sperm count in subfertile men1.
- DNA Integrity: Folic acid is involved in DNA synthesis and repair, and adequate levels may help protect sperm DNA from damage. Research suggests that low folate levels in men were associated with increased sperm DNA damage2. High levels of sperm DNA damage is associated with recurrent miscarriages or IVF failure.
References
- Wong WY, Merkus HM, Thomas CM, Menkveld R, Zielhuis GA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fertil Steril. 2002;77(3):491-498. doi:10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03229-0
- Ebisch IM, Thomas CM, Peters WH, Braat DD, Steegers-Theunissen RP. The importance of folate, zinc and antioxidants in the pathogenesis and prevention of subfertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2007;13(2):163-174. doi:10.1093/humupd/dml054
