The Claim

Daily supplementation with 5 mg of folic acid and 30 mg of elemental zinc for six months in men undergoing infertility treatment has no effect on live birth rates, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm morphology, semen volume, or total motile sperm count compared to placebo.

Source: Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
90score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Taking 5 mg of folic acid and 30 mg of zinc daily for six months does not change live birth rates or any measured sperm parameters in men undergoing infertility treatment compared to taking a placebo.

See the scientific wording

Daily supplementation with 5 mg of folic acid and 30 mg of elemental zinc for six months in men undergoing infertility treatment does not improve live birth rates, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, volume, or total motile sperm count compared to placebo, indicating that this specific regimen is ineffective for enhancing fertility outcomes in this population.

Why this might work

Taking folic acid and zinc daily for six months does not change how sperm are made or how they mature, so sperm count, movement, shape, and the chance of having a baby stay the same.

Verified mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: Effect of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation in Men on Semen Quality and Live Birth Among Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

    The study found that taking folic acid and zinc every day for six months didn't help men have babies or improve their sperm, and it even made some sperm damage worse. So, the pills didn't work.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.