Folate Shown To Help Prevent Chromosomal Abnormalities In Sperm
Research at the University of California, Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has shown that men who have low folate in their diets have grater rates of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm.
Folate is a water-soluble B vitamin that can be found in green leafy vegetables (foliage), which is the root of its name. Citrus fruits and legumes are also rich in folate. Most vitamin supplements and fortified foods use folic acid, which is the more stable form, but it is rarely found in foods.
The researchers examined 97 men between the ages of 22 and 80. They did not include smokers or those with previous or existing reproductive or fertility problems.
Each participant’s average intake of dietary and supplemental nutrients was found from questionnaires. A week after the questionnaires were completed, semen samples were collected.
The researchers found that men who reported the highest intakes of folate had 19% lower rates of sperm with chromosomal abnormalities than those with moderate folate intake, and 20% lower rates compared to those with low folate intake. It is required for the synthesis of DNA, RNA and proteins, and it is necessary for the production of new cells. Folate also helps keep levels of homocysteine from escalating, which when elevated, is linked to heart disease.
It has been recommended for some time now that women should take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida or anencephaly. It is interesting that folate should be recommended for men prior to pregnancy. It seems that those planning to get pregnant should now buy double the folic acid.
References: University of California, Berkeley, Linus Pauling Institute
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