Study links folate with healthier sperm

A new study has identified a possible link between men's intake of folate and reduced chromosomal abnormalities in sperm. The study, published today in the journal Human Reproduction, is claimed to be the first indication that paternal diet may play a role after conception.

Aneuploidy is the general term given to changes in the number of chromosomes. It is estimated that between 1 and 4 per cent of a healthy man's sperm have some form of aneuploidy.

Aneuploidy has been implicated in failure to conceive and miscarriages, as well as children born with conditions such as Down's syndrome, Turner's syndrome and Klinefelter's syndrome.

The study involved 89 healthy, non-smoking men who gave sperm samples and were questioned about their total intake of the nutrients zinc, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene - both from food sources (such as green leafy vegetables, fruit and pulses) and from dietary supplements (folic acid, the synthetic form of the vitamin).

The researchers found that there was a statistically significant association between high folate intake and lower sperm aneuploidy.

Men in the upper 25th percentile, who had the highest folate intake of between 772 and 1150 micrograms per day, were seen to 20 to 30 per cent less sperm aneuploidy than those with the lowest folate intake.

Bonnie - a small study that warrants larger trials, but significant in its design and topic. As I have said for years, it is not just the woman that needs to focus and achieving optimal health for fertility, the man does as well!