Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Folic acid (vitamin B9) is scientifically validated as an important nutrient for reproductive health, particularly in women. Multiple studies have demonstrated that adequate folate status is associated with improved fertility outcomes, especially for women attempting to conceive. Folate plays a key role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and methylation reactions, all of which are critical during the early stages of embryo development. Observational studies have shown that women who take multivitamins containing folic acid or have higher folate levels tend to have higher pregnancy rates and lower risk of ovulatory infertility. For example, the Nurses’ Health Study found that women who consumed higher amounts of supplemental folic acid had a lower risk of ovulatory infertility. Some studies also suggest folate may improve outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF, though evidence is mixed.

In men, there is some emerging evidence that folate supplementation may improve sperm quality, but the data are less robust than in women. Current clinical guidelines universally recommend folic acid supplementation for women of childbearing age, primarily to prevent neural tube defects, but its role in direct fertility enhancement is supported by moderate evidence. Thus, while folic acid is not a stand-alone infertility treatment, its supplementation is justified scientifically as part of comprehensive fertility care, especially in populations at risk for deficiency.

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