What does folic acid do for men
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The Benefits of Folic Acid for Men
Folic Acid and Male Fertility
Improving Semen Quality and Live Birth Rates
Folic acid supplementation has been extensively studied for its potential benefits on male fertility. Research indicates that folic acid, often combined with zinc, can significantly improve semen quality. A study involving 108 fertile and 103 subfertile men found that combined zinc sulfate and folic acid treatment led to a 74% increase in total normal sperm count in subfertile men. Another large-scale trial, however, did not find significant improvements in live birth rates or most semen quality parameters, although it did note an increase in DNA fragmentation with folic acid and zinc supplementation.
Enhancing IVF-ICSI Outcomes
For men undergoing IVF-ICSI treatment, high-dose folic acid supplementation has shown promising results. A randomized controlled trial reported an increase in biochemical pregnancy rates and a trend towards higher clinical pregnancy rates in the folic acid group compared to placebo. This suggests that folic acid may enhance the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies.
Folic Acid and Metabolic Health
Glycemic Control and Insulin Resistance
Folic acid supplementation has also been studied for its effects on metabolic health, particularly in men with type 2 diabetes. A study involving overweight and obese men with type 2 diabetes found that folic acid supplementation led to significant improvements in glycemic control, insulin resistance, and plasma homocysteine levels. These findings suggest that folic acid could be beneficial for managing diabetes-related metabolic issues.
Cardiovascular Health
Folic acid may also play a role in cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness. A study involving asymptomatic men with normal or high-normal blood pressure found that folic acid supplementation reduced brachial pulse pressure and increased systemic arterial compliance, independent of homocysteine or folate plasma concentrations. This indicates that folic acid could be a valuable supplement for preventing isolated systolic hypertension.
Folic Acid and Cognitive Function
Cognitive Function in Older Men
The impact of folic acid on cognitive function has been explored, particularly in older men. A study involving hypertensive men aged 75 and older found no significant benefits of folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12 supplementation on cognitive function or the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia over two years. Similarly, another study found no significant reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms or the incidence of clinically significant depression with folic acid supplementation in older men.
Folic Acid and Erectile Dysfunction
Improving Erectile Function
Folic acid has also been studied for its potential benefits in treating erectile dysfunction (ED). A small clinical trial found that folic acid, when combined with tadalafil, significantly improved erectile function in men with type 2 diabetes, as assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score. This suggests that folic acid could be a useful adjunct therapy for ED in diabetic men.
Conclusion
Folic acid supplementation offers several potential benefits for men, particularly in the areas of fertility, metabolic health, and cardiovascular health. While its effects on cognitive function and depressive symptoms in older men appear limited, folic acid shows promise in improving erectile function and enhancing the success rates of assisted reproductive technologies. As research continues, folic acid may become an increasingly important component of men's health regimens.
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