The importance of folate for fertility

The importance of folate for fertility

Folate also known as vitamin B9 (or folic acid in its supplement form) is a B-vitamin that is needed for red blood cell development as well as DNA production. Folic acid is an essential nutrient in the body because it plays a critical role in cell division and works together with vitamin B12 and vitamin C to help the body breakdown, use and produce new proteins.

A number of studies that have been published in recent years have identified a link between folate deficiency and fertility, not just in women of childbearing age, but also in men.

As folate plays an essential role during cell division and DNA synthesis, it has been associated with sperm concentration and quality, especially when looking at DNA integrity.

When it comes to female fertility and maternal health, it has been widely reported that women who have folate deficiencies are at higher risk of having a baby with neural tube defects. In addition to minimising the risk of congenital heart defects, neural tube defects and reducing the risk of a preterm birth, folate metabolism in the body has also been though to affect ovarian function, implantation, embryogenesis.

Folate Research

According to a study that came out of the University of Munich, associations have been found between low levels of folic acid and an increased level of homocysteine. Homocysteine is a common amino acid found in your body and when detected at high levels, can be associated with arterial damage, blood clots and heart attacks. The study found that it was also associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions and other complications in pregnancy.

When analysing the follicular fluid of female patients undergoing IVF treatment, they also found that there was a positive correlation between sufficient levels of folate and vitamin B12 (cobalmin), and subsequent pregnancy rates. As mentioned previously, folate is essential for DNA synthesis and cell growth, therefore prior to conception, it’s important that folate levels are sufficient.

A paper from Harvard Medical School published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that women who were undergoing assisted reproduction had a higher likelihood of a successful outcome if they had sufficient levels of folate and vitamin B12. The researchers found there was a higher instance of live births, higher levels of fertilisation, a lower probability of cycle failure prior to the embryo transfer and was also associated with a greater chance of live births after IVF treatment.

When it comes to food that will boost fertility, folate is naturally found in foods such as legumes, nuts and seeds, asparagus, eggs, fresh leafy greens, beetroot, citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruit, Brussels sprouts, broccoli bananas and avocados. It’s an essential nutrient found in abundance throughout a healthy, balanced diet.

It is crucial to note that like all medications and supplements, they can have benefits and can also be dangerous to exceed the daily recommended dose. We encourage our patients to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle when looking at undergoing fertility treatment during this time and strongly suggest that when in doubt, check with your fertility specialist and be guided by The Australian Government Department of Health.

Always remember: “The difference between a medicine and a poison is the dose.”

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FAQ

How does Fertility First keep fertility treatment and IVF costs down?

As a Doctor-owned Medical Practice, our fertility and IVF treatment costs do not need to cover overheads and/or shareholder dividends, all of which have to come out of the income derived from patients’ treatment cycle fees at other fertility clinics in Sydney.

What is the NSW fertility treatment rebates?

From the 1st October 2022, the NSW Government announced a rebate of $2,000 in OOP expenses for all eligible patients. Fertility First is pleased to support the NSW Government’s fertility rebate at our Sydney fertility clinic.

What makes Fertility First different to other Sydney fertility clinics?

Fertility First is privately owned, which means we can place more focus on our patients. We offer a holistic approach to fertility and believe that it’s important to minimise the invasiveness of the fertility testing process and only carry out the necessary investigations, maximising your chance of a successful outcome. We offer extensive preliminary fertility testing, including Halosperm Assay.

We were one of the first Sydney fertility clinics to offer a donor sperm and donor egg program, thanks to our partnership with Central IVF.

How do I choose the best fertilty clinic for me?

Choosing the right fertility clinic in Sydney is a very important decision. You should consider factors like success rates, clinic location and appointment times, fertility treatment costs, repor with the Fertility Specialist and what treatment options are available.

Does Fertility First offer preliminary fertility testing?

Yes. We offer a range of fertility testing for both males and females. We aim to have fertility test results back within 2 to 3 weeks, which means, unless any assessment of the fallopian tubes is required, fertility treatment options can then be considered.

Does Fertility First offer treatment for same sex couples and singles?

Yes. Fertility First offers a range of fertility treatments that are suitable for same sex couples and singles, including our donor sperm program. See our fertility treatment page for a full guide.

Does Fertility First offer Medicare rebates?

Yes. In order to assist you with a Medicare rebate for your fertility treatment, you will need a current referral to Fertility First.

Note: GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

Does Fertility First offer IVF treatment?

Yes. IVF treatment is offered to suitable patients after preliminary testing.