Folic Acid Supplement for Male Fertility?

broccoli folate folic acid sperm supplement

It's well-know that folate (a.k.a. folic acid) in the mother is essential for proper embryonic development. 

And a recent study has found that folic acid matters for sperm health and male fertility too.

BUT, just don’t over-do it.

The study, in the ASRM Journal of Fertility and Sterility, showed too-much or too-little folate in the male prior to conception causes sub-optimal embryo growth.

Before supplementing, consider how much folate your diet already contains from food sources. Legumes, dark leafy greens, asparagus, brussels sprouts, broccoli, eggs, beets, citrus, nuts and seeds, and wheat germ are all natural sources of folate. And in some countries like the US, several foods like grains are fortified with folate.

Until researchers can determine an ideal folate level for male reproduction, it might be safest to skip the folic acid supplement and get one's folate from a diet rich in nautral sources.