Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation Still Does Nothing for Semen Quality

In the absence of data, folic acid and zinc supplementation continues to be promoted for improving semen quality in men who are part of infertile couples. To address this evidence gap, investigators conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving 2370 infertile couples (men aged ≥18 and women aged 18–45) planning fertility treatment at four U.S. centers. The men were randomized to daily placebo or folic acid (5 mg) plus elemental zinc (30 mg) for 6 months.

Rates of live birth resulting from planned fertility treatment within 9 months of randomization did not differ between groups (34% [supplementation] and 35% [placebo]). Parameters of semen quality (e.g., sperm concentration, motility, morphology, total motile count) likewise di…