Folic acid plays an essential role in cell multiplication and is critical in DNA and RNA formation and is therefore especially important in foetal development. Whilst the importance of folic acid for women who are trying to conceive, or who are in their first trimester of pregnancy, is well established, how important is folic acid for men when trying for a baby? Interestingly, studies have suggested that an extra ‘boost’ of folic acid for men can help produce higher quality sperm.

The study found that ‘men who had lower levels of folic acid in their diet had a higher rate of abnormal chromosomes in their sperm.’ So, whilst it is thought that most men are already consuming the recommended 200mcg of folic acid through a balanced diet, some health professionals suggest that it is ‘common sense’ for prenatal vitamins to be taken by both partners when trying to conceive. Link to Article