While there has been a lot of focus on how women of childbearing age should make sure they are getting enough folic acid, there has been little talk about men and folate. Until now.
New research has found that men who are thinking about becoming fathers should also be sure they're getting enough folic acid, since the folates that prevent birth defects when consumed by women may also help keep men's sperm normal. Specifically, it was found that men with a higher folate intake had fewer abnormal sperm in which a chromosome had been lost or gained, known as aneuploidy that can cause failure to conceive, up to a third of miscarriages, and children to be born with Down syndrome and other rare chromosomal syndromes.
So if you're looking to conceive anytime soon then hopefully you and your man are getting at least 400 mg a day of folic acid. You can get your folic acid through a supplement or naturally in some foods.
A-Z Collection
Levi's
Arizona
Good to know we have been having quite a lot of spinach.
1In a few months, when hubby and I start trying for a kiddo, I'll be sure to make him eat his spinach and pop a multi every day. I definitely want him to have normal sperm. As for myself, I'm already taking a prenatal vitamin with plenty of folate in it!
2Good to know.
I read somewhere to it can help with hair loss.
3I would not be hasty to recommend men take folic acid, as there have been several studies released that suggest that men consuming more folic acid are at increased risk for certain cancers, including colorectal and prostate.
Here are some links for people who are interested :
http://www.healthcastle.com/multivitamins_men_folicacid.shtml
... the second, is the press release that I found in following up on
the aforementioned information:
http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/multivitamin-and-cancer-ris...
4I'm still wondering if women of childbearing age who have no intention of bearing children (and please don't tell me it "might happen;" I was sterilized two years ago) need more folic acid than what's in a standard multivitamin. Answers? Anyone?
5Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.