Folic acid benefits for men
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Benefits of Folic Acid for Men
Folic Acid and Glycemic Control in Diabetic Men
Folic acid supplementation has shown promising results in improving glycemic control and insulin resistance in overweight and obese men with type 2 diabetes. A study involving 48 men demonstrated that an 8-week regimen of 5 mg/day of folic acid led to significant reductions in HbA1C, fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and insulin resistance. Additionally, there was a notable decrease in plasma homocysteine levels, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health .
Folic Acid and Male Fertility
Semen Quality and DNA Fragmentation
Several studies have explored the impact of folic acid on male fertility, particularly in men undergoing infertility treatments. High-dose folic acid supplementation has been associated with improved outcomes in IVF-ICSI cycles, including increased biochemical pregnancy rates and reduced sperm DNA fragmentation . Another study found that combined supplementation of folic acid and zinc sulfate significantly increased the total normal sperm count in subfertile men, although the exact mechanism remains to be fully understood .
Live Birth Rates
Despite the positive effects on sperm parameters, the impact of folic acid on live birth rates is less clear. A large-scale trial involving 2,370 men found no significant difference in live birth rates between those who received folic acid and zinc supplementation and those who received a placebo . This suggests that while folic acid may improve certain aspects of semen quality, it does not necessarily translate to higher live birth rates.
Folic Acid and Cardiovascular Health
Folic acid has also been studied for its potential cardiovascular benefits. In a study of men with normal or high-normal blood pressure, folic acid supplementation significantly reduced brachial pulse pressure and increased systemic arterial compliance, indicating improved arterial stiffness. These effects were independent of the participants' MTHFR genotype, suggesting that folic acid could be a valuable supplement for preventing isolated systolic hypertension .
Folic Acid and Cognitive Function
The effects of folic acid on cognitive function in older men have been investigated, but the results are less encouraging. A study involving men aged 75 and older found no significant improvement in cognitive function or reduction in the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia with daily supplementation of folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 over two years . Similarly, another study found no significant reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms or incidence of clinically significant depression with the same supplementation regimen .
Conclusion
Folic acid supplementation offers several benefits for men, particularly in improving glycemic control in diabetic patients and enhancing certain aspects of male fertility, such as sperm quality and DNA integrity. However, its impact on live birth rates and cognitive function appears to be limited. Additionally, folic acid may contribute to cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness. Overall, while folic acid is beneficial in specific contexts, its effects can vary depending on the health outcomes being targeted.
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