The Role of Folic Acid in Fertility: What You Need to Know
Posted on September 26th, 2024
Folic acid plays an important role in fertility and early pregnancy. Folate, a B vitamin, supports the production of DNA and red blood cell development, as well as cell division. It can also aid in male fertility. Here’s what you need to know about folic acid, how it prevents neural tube defects, and how you can incorporate folate into your diet.
Folic Acid and Female Fertility
Folic acid can positively impact female fertility, both before and after conception. One study on women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) found that folic acid supplementation was associated with better embryo quality and a greater chance of conceiving.
Additionally, folic acid can help prevent serious pregnancy complications, such as spina bifida and anencephaly, also known as neural tube defects (NDT). While folic acid doesn’t eliminate the chances of NTDs, it can reduce the risk by more than 70% if women planning to get pregnant start taking supplements about 2 to 3 months before conception and through their first trimester. Additionally, folic acid can:
- Lower the risk of irregular ovulation
- Increase progesterone, a hormone that aids in conception
- Reduce the risk of preterm birth
- Reduce the risk of low birth weight
- Reduce the risk of the baby developing congenital heart defects
Folic Acid and Male Fertility
Men produce thousands of sperm cells daily. It takes approximately 60 days for germline stem cells to develop into sperm cells. Folate assists in this process by promoting cell division and DNA synthesis. Research has found that adequate folate levels can improve sperm health, stability, and count.
Sources of Folic Acid
Your doctor will determine how much folic acid you need when trying to conceive and throughout early pregnancy. Usually, 400 mcg daily is enough. If you have a family history of neural tube defects, your doctor may recommend a higher dosage. You can take a folic acid supplement in addition to eating foods with folate, including:
- Dark, leafy greens
- Legumes, like kidney beans
- Some fruits, including oranges, papayas, and bananas
- White rice
In North America, bread and cereals are also enriched with folic acid.
Schedule a Fertility Consultation Today
Folic acid can improve fertility and help prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to meet with your doctor to discuss folic acid supplementation. The expert reproductive specialists at Aspire HFI can answer any questions regarding folic acid and create a personalized treatment plan. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an appointment at our Houston, Willowbrook, Cypress, Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, The Woodlands, Memorial City, Beaumont, Kingwood, or Clear Lake locations.
