Folic acid for men
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Folic Acid Supplementation for Men: Benefits and Implications
Folic Acid and Male Infertility
Improved IVF-ICSI Outcomes
High-dose folic acid supplementation has shown promising results in improving outcomes for men undergoing IVF-ICSI treatments. A study involving 162 couples with male infertility demonstrated that men who took 15 mg of folic acid daily for three months had a significantly higher biochemical pregnancy rate compared to those who took a placebo (44.1% vs. 22.4%) . Additionally, there was a notable decrease in DNA fragmentation in the folic acid group, suggesting improved sperm quality .
Semen Quality and Live Birth Rates
Contrary to the above findings, another large-scale trial involving 2,370 men found that daily supplementation with 5 mg of folic acid and 30 mg of zinc did not significantly improve semen quality or live birth rates among couples undergoing infertility treatment . This discrepancy highlights the need for further research to understand the varying effects of folic acid on male fertility.
Folic Acid and Metabolic Health
Glycemic Control in Diabetic Men
Folic acid supplementation has also been studied for its effects on metabolic health in men with type 2 diabetes. A study involving overweight and obese men with type 2 diabetes found that 5 mg of folic acid daily for eight weeks led to significant improvements in glycemic control, including an 8% decrease in HbA1C and a 7.5% reduction in fasting blood glucose levels . Additionally, there were reductions in serum insulin and insulin resistance, indicating better overall metabolic health .
Cognitive Function and Mental Health
Cognitive Function in Older Men
Research on the effects of folic acid on cognitive function in older men has yielded less promising results. A study involving 299 hypertensive men aged 75 and older found no significant improvement in cognitive function after two years of daily supplementation with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 . Similarly, another study found that this combination of vitamins did not significantly reduce the severity of depressive symptoms or the incidence of clinically significant depression over a two-year period .
Bioavailability and Genetic Factors
Bioavailability of Folic Acid
The bioavailability of folic acid and its natural derivative, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate ([6S]-5-MTHF), has been found to be equivalent in men. A study comparing the two forms showed no significant difference in plasma folate response, suggesting that both forms are equally effective for supplementation .
Genetic Influences on Folic Acid Efficacy
Genetic factors, such as the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, can influence the effects of folic acid supplementation. Men with this polymorphism who took high-dose folic acid showed significant alterations in the sperm methylome, particularly a global loss of DNA methylation, which could have implications for fertility and offspring health .
Conclusion
Folic acid supplementation in men has shown varied results depending on the context. While it may improve IVF-ICSI outcomes and metabolic health in diabetic men, its effects on cognitive function and overall fertility are less clear. Genetic factors also play a crucial role in determining the efficacy of folic acid supplementation. Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of folic acid for men.
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