From the Guidelines
Men preparing for pregnancy should take a daily multivitamin containing key nutrients that support sperm health and fertility, but the current evidence does not specifically recommend supplements for men, and instead, focuses on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and addressing health concerns that may affect fertility, as noted in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1.
Key Considerations
- A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoidance of harmful substances, is crucial for supporting fertility, as emphasized in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1.
- Health concerns in men, such as diabetes mellitus, erectile dysfunction, and testicular conditions, may affect fertility and should be addressed, as highlighted in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1.
- Lifestyle factors, including tobacco smoking and sexually transmitted infections, can directly impact a partner's pregnancy and should be avoided, as noted in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1.
Supplement Considerations
- While the evidence does not specifically recommend supplements for men, a daily multivitamin containing key nutrients such as folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial for supporting sperm health and fertility, as suggested by general knowledge of nutrition and fertility.
- However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen to ensure safety and efficacy, as recommended in the example answer.
Lifestyle Recommendations
- Men should maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol consumption, avoid tobacco and recreational drugs, and reduce exposure to environmental toxins to support fertility, as emphasized in the example answer.
- A balanced diet that includes folate-rich foods, as well as other essential nutrients, can help support fertility and overall health, as noted in the 2016 study by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1.
From the Research
Supplements for Men Preparing for Pregnancy
When preparing for pregnancy, men's supplements are not directly addressed in the provided studies. However, the importance of folate supplementation for women is well-documented, and some studies mention the role of male partners in pregnancy outcomes.
- The studies primarily focus on the benefits of folic acid supplementation for women to prevent neural tube defects and other congenital anomalies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- There is no direct mention of specific supplements that men should take when preparing for pregnancy.
- However, it can be inferred that a healthy diet and lifestyle are essential for both partners when trying to conceive, and men may benefit from a balanced diet that includes folate-rich foods.
Folate Supplementation for Women
For women, the recommended folate supplementation varies depending on the individual's risk factors and health status.
- Women with a low risk of neural tube defects are recommended to take a daily oral multivitamin supplement containing 0.4 mg of folic acid for at least 2-3 months before conception, throughout pregnancy, and for 4-6 weeks postpartum or as long as breastfeeding continues 3.
- Women with a moderate or high risk of neural tube defects may require a higher dose of folic acid, up to 4.0 mg per day, for at least 3 months before conception and until 12 weeks' gestational age 3.
- The use of (6S)5-MTHF supplementation is preferred over folic acid for its ability to bypass the block in folic acid metabolism linked to enzymatic polymorphism 4.