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NEW YORK, Mar 13 (Reuters Health) - Women of childbearing age have long been advised to take folic acid because the nutrient is thought to help prevent serious birth defects. Now a study suggests the B vitamin may be important for men hoping to become fathers, as well.
According to the findings published in a recent issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility, men with low sperm counts also had low levels of folate in their semen.
It's not clear if the low levels of folate were responsible for the low sperm counts, but consuming a folic acid-rich diet can't hurt and may help such men, according to lead researcher Dr. Lynn M. Wallock of the University of California at Berkeley
"These findings imply that folic acid is important for male reproductive health," Wallock told Reuters Health. "The findings provide an additional reason for men to eat a healthful diet containing folate rich foods."
The US Department of Agriculture recommends that all adults eat five to nine servings of fruit and vegetables a day, enough to cover the recommended 400 daily micrograms of folate. Other folate-rich foods include orange juice, dried beans and peas and fortified cereals.
In the study, the researchers measured folate concentrations in the semen and blood of 24 male smokers and 24 male nonsmokers.
However, more research is needed on folates and sperm, the researchers conclude.
"Further studies are needed to clarify the roles of folate in male reproductive organs," they write.
SOURCE: Fertility and Sterility 2001;75:252-259.
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