In a study that investigates the effects of diet on the quality of sperm, American scientists found that high levels of vitamin B decreases the number of abnormalities that lead to children being born with defects such as Down's syndrome.
It may lead to recommendation that men and women should take folic acid first before trying to conceive.
In order to protect the unborn fetus from some birth defects, women are encouraged to take vitamin B supplements that naturally occur as folate in green leafy vegetables, some fruits and synthetically as folic acid.
The study, which was carried out by a team from University of California reports that if the findings are confirmed then scientist may recommend men to take folic acid for at least three months before trying to conceive.
But authors said they cannot be sure that it is the high intake of folate that results to fewer sperm abnormalities, it may be that the men were generally healthier.
"There is increasing evidence from a number of studies to suggest that dietary factors can correlate with sperm health," said Dr Allan Pacey, senior lecturer in andrology at the University of Sheffield and honorary secretary of the British Fertility Society. "The story so far suggests that dietary factors won't help you make any more sperm, but good diet might just improve the quality of the ones that are made."
The study, based on 89 healthy men, is published in the in the March 20 issue of the journal Human Reproduction.
