Latest research shows that men who eat more foods rich in folic acid can reduce the proportion of sperm with chromosomal abnormalities.
In a healthy male, 4% of sperm have chromosomal abnormalities. Sperm chromosomal abnormalities can lead to infertility, miscarriage, and congenital disorders in infants.
A research team from the University of California, Berkeley, analyzed sperm samples from 89 healthy, non-smoking men and assessed their intake of zinc, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E. The researchers found that men who consumed 722 to 1150 milligrams of folic acid daily had a significantly lower proportion of sperm with chromosomal abnormalities than men with low folic acid intake. Folic acid is found in foods such as leafy vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
However, the researchers emphasized that they have not yet confirmed a direct impact of folic acid on sperm quality, only that a possible link between the two may exist.
Alan Percy, a male fertility expert at the University of Sheffield in the UK, said that good lifestyle habits, not smoking, drinking less alcohol, and eating more fresh fruits and vegetables daily can improve sperm quality. The cycle of sperm formation lasts up to 3 months, so taking action early is important for better prenatal and postnatal care.