There is no need for the fathers to feel left out, as researchers have found out that prospective fathers getting more folic acid in their diet, improve their reproductive health.
It is a well-established fact that women who take folic acid before and during pregnancy significantly reduce the risk of having defective babies. The study measured concentrations of folic acid, a type of Vitamin B, in the blood and semen of the subjects who were between 20 to 50 years of age. The researchers have linked low levels of folic acid with low sperm count and density.
Prospective fathers may benefit from the same daily dose of folic acid recommended for women. Five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables are sufficient to meet the folic acid requirements. However it is necessary to repeat the study with a larger group of subjects. Men are also advised to take a multivitamin. Deficiencies in the nutrient zinc have also been linked to decreased sperm production and alcoholics tend to have lower zinc levels, which can interfere with folic acid levels.
Research into the male reproductive health has been neglected and gynaecologists do not usually want to treat the male partner. The folic acid study does throw an important light on the role of male reproductive health in conception.
The Journal of Fertility and Sterility; February 2001