As you already know, women are encouraged to take folic acid supplements while trying to get pregnant, primarily to protect against birth defects. But should men also take folic acid? A new study shows a possible link between folate-rich diets and healthier sperm in men.

In this study, they looked at healthy men, who were not dealing with infertility or reproductive problems. Through questionnaires, they looked at the men’s diets, including vitamin taking habits. About a week after the men completed the questionnaires, the researchers took sperm samples.

In the study, men with diets including the highest intake of folate tended to have lower rates of sperm with abnormal chromosomes -- 19% lower than men with moderate folate intake and 20% lower compared to men with a low folate diet.

But does this mean that folic acid, or a folate-rich diet, will lead to fewer birth defects, or improved fertility, for men? Researchers say not necessarily. The researchers did not show a cause-and-effect relationship, but only a link.

Does your partner take a daily vitamin? Does he eat folate-rich foods, like citrus fruits, green leafy veggies, and whole grains? Will this new study make any difference in your eating habits? Share your thoughts here in the comments, or in our forums.