Folate fertility

Folate fertility: what it means and why it matters

Folate fertility refers to the role folate, also known as vitamin B9, plays in reproductive health, conception, sperm quality, egg health, early embryo development, and pregnancy preparation. Folate is best known for helping prevent neural tube defects in early pregnancy, but it also matters for men because it supports DNA synthesis, methylation, red blood cell production, and normal cell division—all processes involved in healthy sperm production.

For men trying to conceive, folate is often discussed alongside nutrients such as zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and CoQ10. Folate is not a magic fertility treatment, and taking more than needed will not necessarily improve sperm count or pregnancy rates. But inadequate folate status can be one of several nutritional factors that may affect sperm health and overall reproductive function.

At a glance

Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods such as leafy greens, legumes, asparagus, avocado, and fortified grains.
Folic acid is a synthetic form used in many supplements and fortified foods; 5-MTHF is another supplemental form that is already biologically active.
Folate supports DNA production and repair, which is relevant to rapidly dividing cells, including developing sperm cells.
Low folate may contribute to elevated homocysteine, a blood marker linked with cardiovascular and reproductive health concerns.
Women planning pregnancy are generally advised to take folic acid or folate before conception; men may also benefit from adequate intake, especially if diet quality is low.
Folate works closely with vitamin B12; taking high-dose folic acid can mask signs of B12 deficiency, so balance matters.

Key takeaways
Folate vs folic acid vs methylfolate
How folate affects fertility
Folate and male fertility
Folate and female fertility
Folate deficiency: symptoms, causes, and fertility relevance
Testing folate status
How much folate do you need when trying to conceive?
Best folate-rich foods for fertility
Folate supplements: what to know
What’s normal vs what’s not?
When to speak with a healthcare professional
Related fertility tests and terms
FAQs
References

Key takeaways

Folate is essential for reproduction because it helps build and maintain DNA. That matters for sperm production, egg maturation, cell division, and early fetal development.
For men, folate status may be relevant to sperm concentration, sperm DNA integrity, and oxidative stress, but research on supplementation results is mixed.
For women, folate before conception is strongly recommended because the neural tube forms very early in pregnancy, often before someone knows they are pregnant.
Folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine are connected. Low folate or B12 can raise homocysteine, and high homocysteine may be associated with reproductive and vascular health issues.
Food-first is a strong strategy. Leafy greens, lentils, beans, citrus, asparagus, and fortified grains can help support healthy folate intake.
More is not always better. High-dose folic acid should be used only when recommended, especially if B12 deficiency, certain medications, or medical conditions are involved.
If you have infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, abnormal semen analysis, anemia symptoms, or concerns about MTHFR variants, talk with a clinician rather than self-treating with high doses.

Folate vs folic acid vs methylfolate

The terms folate, folic acid, and methylfolate are often used interchangeably, but they are not identical. Understanding the difference can help you choose foods and supplements more intelligently.

Term	What it means	Where it’s found	Fertility relevance
Folate	Natural forms of vitamin B9 found in food	Leafy greens, legumes, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, avocado, citrus, liver	Supports DNA synthesis, methylation, red blood cell formation, and normal cell division
Folic acid	Synthetic form of vitamin B9 used in many supplements and fortified foods	Prenatal vitamins, multivitamins, fortified breads, cereals, pasta, flour	Well-studied for reducing neural tube defect risk when taken before and during early pregnancy
5-MTHF / L-methylfolate	Biologically active supplemental form of folate	Specialty supplements, some prenatal vitamins, some fertility supplements	May be preferred by some clinicians for people with concerns about folate metabolism, though routine superiority for fertility is not firmly established
Folinic acid	A reduced form of folate used medically in specific situations	Prescription or medical use; sometimes specialty supplements	Used in certain medical protocols; not a standard fertility supplement for most people

Dietary Folate Equivalents (DFE) are used because folic acid from fortified foods and supplements is generally more bioavailable than naturally occurring food folate. For example, 400 micrograms of folic acid from a supplement is not exactly the same as 400 micrograms of folate from spinach or lentils when measured in DFE.

How folate affects fertility

Folate’s fertility role comes down to one-carbon metabolism, a network of biochemical reactions involved in DNA synthesis, DNA repair, methylation, amino acid metabolism, and homocysteine regulation. These processes are foundational for reproduction because eggs, sperm, embryos, and reproductive tissues depend on accurate cell division and genetic stability.

Key reproductive functions of folate

DNA synthesis: Folate helps make nucleotides, the building blocks of DNA. Sperm cells and early embryonic cells require rapid and accurate DNA replication.
DNA methylation: Methylation is a chemical tagging system that helps regulate gene expression. Folate participates in methylation pathways that may influence sperm development and early embryo biology.
Homocysteine metabolism: Folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6 help convert homocysteine into other compounds. Poor folate or B12 status can contribute to elevated homocysteine.
Red blood cell production: Folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia, which may affect energy, exercise tolerance, and general health.
Placental and fetal development: In early pregnancy, adequate folate supports neural tube closure and fetal growth.

Because fertility is multi-factorial, folate is only one piece of the equation. Age, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, ovulation, fallopian tube health, uterine factors, hormones, body weight, smoking, alcohol, heat exposure, medications, sleep, chronic disease, and genetics can all influence conception.

Folate and male fertility

Folate matters for men because sperm production is a high-turnover biological process. Spermatogenesis takes roughly 2 to 3 months, and during that time, developing sperm cells undergo DNA replication, cell division, maturation, and packaging of genetic material. Nutrients involved in DNA synthesis and oxidative stress defense may influence sperm quality.

How folate may support sperm health

Sperm DNA integrity: Folate is involved in DNA synthesis and repair, which may be relevant to DNA fragmentation and chromosomal stability.
Sperm concentration: Some research has examined folate, often combined with zinc, in relation to sperm concentration, but findings are not consistently positive across studies.
Methylation patterns: Folate contributes to methylation processes that may affect sperm development and epigenetic marks passed to an embryo.
Homocysteine balance: Adequate folate and B12 help regulate homocysteine, which may matter for vascular and reproductive health.
Overall nutritional status: Men with poor dietary quality, heavy alcohol use, gastrointestinal issues, or restrictive diets may be more likely to have suboptimal folate intake.

Does folate improve sperm count?

Folate may help correct a deficiency, but it should not be viewed as a guaranteed sperm count booster. Studies on folic acid and zinc supplementation in men have produced mixed results. Some earlier research suggested potential improvements in sperm concentration when folic acid was combined with zinc, while later, larger studies did not show clear improvements in semen quality or live birth outcomes for all men.

The practical takeaway: adequate folate is important, but supplementation works best when it addresses a real nutritional gap or is part of a broader fertility plan. If a semen analysis shows low sperm count, low motility, abnormal morphology, or high DNA fragmentation, folate may be considered alongside a full evaluation—not as a standalone solution.

Folate and sperm DNA fragmentation

Sperm DNA fragmentation refers to breaks or damage in sperm DNA. High sperm DNA fragmentation has been associated with lower fertility potential, lower embryo quality in some settings, miscarriage risk, or reduced assisted reproduction outcomes, although interpretation depends on the test and clinical context.

Because folate supports DNA metabolism, low folate status could theoretically contribute to poor DNA integrity. However, sperm DNA fragmentation is also influenced by oxidative stress, varicocele, infection or inflammation, smoking, heat exposure, aging, obesity, toxins, and chronic illness. Men with elevated DNA fragmentation should speak with a fertility specialist or urologist trained in male reproductive medicine.

Folate, zinc, and male fertility supplements

Folate and zinc frequently appear together in male fertility supplements because both nutrients are involved in reproduction. Zinc supports testosterone metabolism, sperm development, immune function, and antioxidant systems. However, combination formulas vary widely, and more ingredients do not automatically mean better results.

If you are considering a male fertility supplement, look for sensible dosing, third-party quality testing when available, and avoidance of megadoses unless medically recommended. It is also worth checking whether the formula includes vitamin B12, since folate and B12 work closely together.

Folate and female fertility

In female fertility and pregnancy planning, folate is one of the most important nutrients because it is needed before conception and during the first weeks of pregnancy. The neural tube, which develops into the brain and spinal cord, closes very early—typically around the time many people are just realizing they are pregnant.

Why folate is recommended before pregnancy

Neural tube development: Adequate folic acid intake before conception and in early pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida and anencephaly.
Cell division: Early embryos divide rapidly, making folate-dependent DNA synthesis especially important.
Placental development: Folate is involved in tissue growth and may support healthy placental function.
Maternal blood health: Folate helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

Most public health organizations recommend that people who could become pregnant take supplemental folic acid or folate daily, even before actively trying, because unplanned pregnancies are common and early fetal development occurs quickly.

Folate and egg quality

Folate supports cellular function and DNA processes that are relevant to egg maturation, but “egg quality” is complex and strongly influenced by age. Folate cannot reverse age-related chromosomal changes in eggs. However, adequate folate status may be part of a healthy preconception environment, especially along with balanced nutrition, appropriate prenatal supplementation, sleep, exercise, and management of medical conditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Folate deficiency: symptoms, causes, and fertility relevance

Folate deficiency means the body does not have enough vitamin B9 to support normal cellular function. Mild insufficiency may not cause obvious symptoms, while more significant deficiency can lead to anemia and other health issues.

Possible symptoms of folate deficiency

Fatigue or low energy
Weakness
Shortness of breath with exertion
Pale skin
Irritability or mood changes
Mouth sores or tongue soreness
Headaches
Signs of anemia on bloodwork

These symptoms are nonspecific and can also occur with iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disease, sleep problems, chronic illness, or other conditions. Testing is the only way to confirm folate deficiency.

Common causes of low folate

Low intake: Diets low in vegetables, legumes, and fortified grains can reduce folate intake.
Alcohol use: Heavy alcohol intake can impair folate absorption and metabolism.
Malabsorption: Conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain gastrointestinal surgeries may affect absorption.
Increased needs: Pregnancy, lactation, rapid growth, and some medical conditions increase folate requirements.
Medications: Certain anti-seizure medications, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, trimethoprim, and other drugs can affect folate pathways.
Genetic variation: MTHFR variants can influence folate metabolism, though their clinical significance varies and is often overstated online.

Testing folate status

Folate status can be assessed through blood testing, usually when deficiency, anemia, malabsorption, medication effects, or preconception concerns are suspected. A clinician may order folate testing along with vitamin B12, complete blood count, iron studies, thyroid markers, and homocysteine depending on symptoms and context.

Test	What it measures	Why it may matter for fertility or health
Serum folate	Folate circulating in the blood at the time of testing	Can reflect recent intake; useful for detecting low folate but may fluctuate with diet
Red blood cell folate	Folate stored in red blood cells	May better reflect longer-term folate status; availability varies by lab
Vitamin B12	B12 level or related markers such as methylmalonic acid	Important because folate and B12 interact; high folic acid can mask anemia from B12 deficiency
Homocysteine	An amino acid affected by folate, B12, B6, kidney function, and other factors	Elevated levels may suggest methylation pathway issues or nutrient insufficiency, but interpretation is context-dependent
Complete blood count	Red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and other markers	Can identify anemia patterns that may prompt folate, B12, or iron testing

Do not rely on symptoms alone to decide whether you need high-dose folate. If you have fatigue, abnormal bloodwork, gastrointestinal disease, or infertility, a targeted workup is more useful than guessing.

How much folate do you need when trying to conceive?

Recommended folate intake depends on sex, pregnancy status, medical history, and risk factors. In the United States, adult men and non-pregnant adults are generally advised to get 400 micrograms DFE per day. People who are pregnant typically need more, and those planning pregnancy are commonly advised to take supplemental folic acid or folate before conception.

Group	Common folate recommendation	Important notes
Adult men	400 mcg DFE/day	Focus on folate-rich foods and broad nutritional adequacy; supplements may help if intake is low
Adults trying to optimize general health	400 mcg DFE/day	Needs may differ with alcohol use, medication use, GI disease, or deficiency
Women or people who could become pregnant	Commonly 400 mcg folic acid daily, in addition to food folate	Often recommended before conception and during early pregnancy to reduce neural tube defect risk
Pregnancy	600 mcg DFE/day	Usually achieved through prenatal vitamins plus diet; medical guidance is important
High-risk pregnancy history or certain medications	May require higher prescription dosing	Only under clinician supervision, especially after a prior neural tube defect-affected pregnancy or with specific anti-seizure medications

The tolerable upper intake level for adults applies to synthetic folic acid from supplements and fortified foods, not naturally occurring food folate. High intake of folic acid can be problematic because it may mask vitamin B12 deficiency and may not be appropriate for everyone.

Best folate-rich foods for fertility

A fertility-supportive diet does not need to be complicated. Folate-rich foods often overlap with foods that support cardiovascular health, metabolic health, and antioxidant intake—areas that matter for both male and female fertility.

High-folate foods to include regularly

Lentils and beans: Lentils, black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans
Leafy greens: Spinach, romaine, kale, collard greens, arugula, Swiss chard
Asparagus and Brussels sprouts
Avocado
Citrus fruits: Oranges and grapefruit
Beets and broccoli
Fortified grains: Fortified breakfast cereals, enriched breads, pasta, and rice
Sunflower seeds and peanuts
Eggs, which provide smaller amounts along with choline and protein
Liver, which is high in folate but should be approached carefully in pregnancy planning because of high preformed vitamin A content

Simple fertility-friendly meal ideas

Eggs with spinach, avocado, and whole-grain toast
Lentil soup with leafy greens and olive oil
Bean-and-vegetable burrito bowl with citrus salsa
Salmon with asparagus, quinoa, and a side salad
Chickpea salad with arugula, peppers, lemon, and pumpkin seeds
Greek yogurt with fortified cereal, berries, and nuts

Cooking can reduce folate content in some vegetables because folate is water-soluble and heat-sensitive. Light steaming, sautéing, or eating a mix of raw and cooked produce can help preserve nutrients while still making meals practical.

Folate supplements: what to know

Folate supplements can be useful, especially for people planning pregnancy, people with low intake, or those with documented deficiency. But supplement choice and dose should match the goal.

Common supplement forms

Supplement form	Pros	Considerations
Folic acid	Most studied for neural tube defect prevention; widely available; stable	Needs conversion in the body; high doses should be supervised
5-MTHF / L-methylfolate	Active form; often marketed for MTHFR variants	May be more expensive; evidence that it improves fertility outcomes over folic acid for most people is limited
Folinic acid	Useful in specific medical contexts	Not typically needed for general fertility support unless recommended
Multivitamin or prenatal	Provides folate plus other nutrients such as B12, iodine, iron, vitamin D, or choline depending on formula	Quality and dosing vary; men and women may have different nutrient needs

Folate and MTHFR: what’s real and what’s overhyped?

MTHFR is a gene involved in folate metabolism. Common variants, such as C677T and A1298C, can affect enzyme activity to varying degrees. Online discussions often overstate what these variants mean for fertility, miscarriage risk, detoxification, or the need for special supplements.

For most people, having an MTHFR variant does not automatically mean infertility, miscarriage, or inability to use folic acid. Major medical organizations generally do not recommend routine MTHFR testing for infertility or pregnancy loss evaluation in the absence of other indications. If there is concern about methylation or folate metabolism, clinicians may consider more clinically useful markers such as homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate status, and medical history.

Some people choose 5-MTHF instead of folic acid, and many tolerate it well. However, the most important practical point is achieving adequate folate status safely, not chasing a genetic result in isolation.

Can men take prenatal vitamins for folate?

Men generally do not need a prenatal vitamin. Prenatals are designed for pregnancy and often contain iron, iodine, and other nutrients at levels tailored to maternal needs. Men trying to conceive are usually better served by a male-focused multivitamin, a targeted fertility supplement, or a food-first strategy unless a clinician recommends otherwise.

Safety considerations

Avoid high-dose folic acid unless prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional.
Check vitamin B12 status if using higher amounts of folate, especially if you are vegan, vegetarian, older, or have gastrointestinal issues.
Discuss supplementation with a clinician if you take methotrexate, anti-seizure medications, sulfasalazine, trimethoprim, or other medications that interact with folate pathways.
If you are undergoing fertility treatment, tell your reproductive endocrinologist or urologist about all supplements.

What’s normal vs what’s not?

Folate intake and folate status exist on a spectrum. You do not need perfect nutrition to conceive, but certain patterns deserve attention—especially if conception is taking longer than expected or bloodwork is abnormal.

Scenario	Typically reassuring	Worth addressing
Dietary intake	Regular intake of vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, and/or fortified foods	Very low produce intake, restrictive dieting, heavy alcohol use, or frequent meal skipping
Supplement use	Standard-dose multivitamin, prenatal, or fertility supplement used appropriately	Multiple overlapping supplements or high-dose folic acid without medical guidance
Bloodwork	Normal complete blood count, adequate B12, and no evidence of deficiency	Megaloblastic anemia, low folate, low B12, or elevated homocysteine
Male fertility testing	Normal semen analysis and no major reproductive symptoms	Low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, high DNA fragmentation, varicocele, or hormone abnormalities
Time trying to conceive	Less than 12 months if female partner is under 35 and cycles are regular	12 months without pregnancy, or 6 months if female partner is 35 or older; sooner with known issues

Lifestyle factors that influence folate status and fertility

Folate works best as part of a broader fertility-supportive lifestyle. If you are trying to improve sperm health, remember that sperm development takes time. Changes made today may take about three months to show up in semen parameters.

Practical steps for men trying to conceive

Upgrade diet quality. Build most meals around protein, high-fiber carbohydrates, colorful vegetables, healthy fats, and folate-rich foods.
Reduce heavy alcohol use. Alcohol can interfere with folate metabolism and may negatively affect testosterone, semen quality, and overall health.
Stop nicotine and avoid smoking. Smoking is associated with oxidative stress and poorer semen parameters.
Manage heat exposure. Frequent hot tubs, saunas, tight heat-trapping clothing, or laptop heat near the testes may affect sperm production in some men.
Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep can affect hormones, metabolic health, and libido.
Exercise consistently. Moderate exercise supports insulin sensitivity, cardiovascular health, testosterone balance, and body composition.
Review medications and supplements. Some medications, anabolic steroids, testosterone therapy, and recreational drugs can reduce fertility.
Consider a semen analysis early. Male factors contribute to a substantial share of infertility cases, and testing is relatively straightforward.

When to speak with a healthcare professional

Folate is important, but infertility rarely comes down to one nutrient. A clinician can help identify whether folate is relevant to your situation and whether additional testing is needed.

Seek medical advice if:

You have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, or 6 months if the female partner is 35 or older.
A semen analysis shows low sperm concentration, low motility, abnormal morphology, or azoospermia.
You have recurrent pregnancy loss as a couple.
You have symptoms of anemia, unexplained fatigue, or abnormal bloodwork.
You have celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, history of bariatric surgery, or another malabsorption risk.
You take medications that affect folate metabolism.
You are considering high-dose folic acid, methylfolate, or multiple fertility supplements.
You are on testosterone therapy or have used anabolic steroids and want to conceive.

Questions to ask your doctor

Should I test my folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, or complete blood count?
Could any of my medications affect folate status or fertility?
Do I need a semen analysis, hormone panel, or referral to a reproductive urologist?
Is my current supplement dose appropriate, or am I taking too much folic acid?
Should my partner be taking a prenatal vitamin or specific folate dose before conception?
Is MTHFR testing clinically useful in my case, or would other tests be more informative?
Could vitamin B12 deficiency be a concern based on my diet or symptoms?

If you are researching folate and fertility, these related terms often come up during evaluation or treatment planning.

Term	Meaning	Why it matters
Semen analysis	A test measuring sperm concentration, motility, morphology, semen volume, and other parameters	First-line test for male fertility evaluation
Sperm DNA fragmentation	A measure of DNA damage within sperm	May be considered in recurrent pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, or failed assisted reproduction contexts
Homocysteine	An amino acid influenced by folate, B12, B6, kidney function, and genetics	Elevated levels may signal nutritional or metabolic issues requiring evaluation
Vitamin B12	A nutrient involved in nerve function, red blood cell formation, and methylation	Works closely with folate; deficiency should not be missed
MTHFR	A gene involved in folate metabolism	Common variants are often discussed online, but testing is not routinely needed for fertility care
Varicocele	Enlarged veins in the scrotum	A common, treatable male fertility factor associated with impaired sperm production in some men
Preconception care	Health optimization before pregnancy	Includes nutrition, folate, medication review, vaccinations, lifestyle, and risk assessment

Common myths about folate and fertility

Myth: Folate only matters for women

Folate is essential for pregnancy, but men need folate too. It supports DNA synthesis and normal cell division, both of which are relevant to sperm production. That said, the strongest public health evidence for supplementation is in people who may become pregnant because of neural tube defect prevention.

Myth: More folic acid always means better fertility

Not true. Correcting low folate is important, but megadosing does not guarantee better sperm, better egg quality, or faster conception. Excessive supplemental folic acid can also complicate detection of B12 deficiency.

Myth: If you have an MTHFR variant, you cannot use folic acid

Most people with common MTHFR variants can still process folic acid to some extent. Clinical decisions should be based on the whole picture, including diet, folate status, B12 status, homocysteine, medical history, and pregnancy risk factors.

Myth: A fertility supplement can replace a semen analysis

Supplements may support nutrition, but they cannot diagnose low sperm count, obstruction, varicocele, hormone problems, infections, or genetic causes of infertility. A semen analysis is still the key starting point for male fertility evaluation.

FAQs about folate fertility

What is folate fertility?

Folate fertility refers to the role of vitamin B9 in reproductive health. Folate supports DNA synthesis, methylation, cell division, red blood cell production, sperm development, early embryo growth, and prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy.

Does folate help men get fertile?

Folate may support male fertility when intake is low or deficiency is present because it is involved in DNA production and sperm development. However, folate alone is not a guaranteed treatment for infertility or low sperm count. Men with abnormal semen results should get a full evaluation.

Is folic acid good for sperm?

Folic acid can help ensure adequate vitamin B9 status, which is relevant to sperm production and DNA integrity. Research on folic acid supplementation for improving semen parameters is mixed, especially when men are not deficient. It may be most useful as part of a broader nutrition and fertility plan.

Should men take folate when trying to conceive?

Men trying to conceive should aim for adequate folate intake, typically through folate-rich foods and, when appropriate, a standard-dose multivitamin or fertility supplement. High-dose folate is not necessary for most men unless a clinician recommends it.

What is the best form of folate for fertility?

Folic acid is the most studied form for neural tube defect prevention. 5-MTHF, or methylfolate, is an active form used in some supplements and may be preferred in certain situations. For most people, the best approach is adequate total folate intake, balanced with vitamin B12 and guided by medical context.

How long does folate take to affect sperm?

Sperm production takes roughly 2 to 3 months, so nutritional changes may take about three months to influence semen parameters. Results vary depending on whether low folate was actually a problem and whether other fertility factors are present.

Can low folate cause infertility?

Low folate may contribute to reproductive problems by affecting DNA synthesis, methylation, anemia risk, or homocysteine metabolism. But infertility is usually multi-factorial. Low folate should be corrected, but it may not be the only cause of difficulty conceiving.

Can too much folate hurt fertility?

Food folate is not generally a concern, but excessive supplemental folic acid can be inappropriate and may mask vitamin B12 deficiency. There is no good reason to take high-dose folic acid for fertility without medical guidance.

Do MTHFR variants affect fertility?

Common MTHFR variants can affect folate metabolism, but they do not automatically cause infertility or miscarriage. Routine MTHFR testing is not recommended by many medical organizations for standard infertility evaluation. Folate status, B12 status, homocysteine, and clinical history are often more useful.

What foods are highest in folate?

Lentils, beans, spinach, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, avocado, citrus fruits, fortified grains, beets, broccoli, and leafy greens are all good sources of folate. A consistent food-first approach can support both fertility and general health.

References

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Folate Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Folic Acid. https://www.cdc.gov/folic-acid/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Nutrition During Pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/nutrition-during-pregnancy
World Health Organization. Guideline: Daily iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnant women. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241501996
Schisterman EF, Sjaarda LA, Clemons T, et al. Effect of folic acid and zinc supplementation in men on semen quality and live birth among couples undergoing infertility treatment: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2020;323(1):35-48.
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Diagnostic evaluation of the infertile male: a committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility. 2015;103(3):e18-e25.
American Urological Association and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Diagnosis and Treatment of Infertility in Men: AUA/ASRM Guideline. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/male-infertility
Hanson MA, Bardsley A, De-Regil LM, et al. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics recommendations on adolescent, preconception, and maternal nutrition. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics. 2015;131 Suppl 4:S213-S253.

Folate fertility