Can a father's diet help him have a healthy baby? (Let's learn about Folic Acid)

When we're expecting a baby, we often talk about the mother, right? What the mother should eat, what she shouldn't drink, what exercises she should do... In the midst of all this, you might be thinking, "Isn't there anything I can do?" There really is. Although many people don't know, the father's health , and especially his diet, are much more important than you think for the birth of a healthy child. Today, we'll talk about that.

Why is everyone talking about folic acid?

You may have heard the name “ folic acid .” It is often talked about in relation to pregnant mothers. Simply put, folic acid is a type of vitamin B. When a mother takes enough of it before and during pregnancy, it can prevent serious birth defects (Neural Tube Defects) that can occur in the baby’s brain and spinal cord. An example is a condition called `(Spina Bifida)`. That is why doctors recommend folic acid to all women planning to become pregnant.

But now new research has found that folic acid is also very important for fathers.

How is folic acid important for fathers?

A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, USA, revealed something surprising. That is, when a father's folic acid levels decrease, his sperm count and sperm quality decrease .

Now you might be thinking, “How does that happen?” It’s very simple. Think of our body as a building that is built according to a plan. That plan is called `DNA`. A baby is made up of the `DNA` of the mother and the father. So the `DNA` in the father’s sperm must be healthy.

Another finding from this research is that the levels of folic acid in the semen of men who smoke are significantly lower than those of non-smokers. This also shows how harmful smoking is.

Can this research be 100% reliable?

This is also something we need to be aware of. Like all research, this one has some limitations. As some doctors point out:

• The research sample was small: the study involved 48 men, so the results cannot be generalized to the entire world.
• Participants' dietary habits: The participants in this study ate less than 3.5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, which means that their levels of folic acid in their bodies are likely to be generally low.

However, as the researchers say, “Many men in our country do not eat enough fruits and vegetables per day. Therefore, these results may apply to a large group of people in our society.”

So, while we need to do more research on this, this gives us a very important clue . That is, when expecting a child, the health of the mother is as important as the health of the father.

Is folic acid the only thing that matters? Other factors that affect it

No. Folic acid is just one factor. Male fertility is much more complex. There are several other factors that affect it. Let's see what they are.

So what do you have to do to be a father?

With all of this, you might be wondering, “What do I do now?” Don't worry. These things are very simple.

1. Adopt a healthy diet: This is the most important thing. Try to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Especially include more foods rich in folic acid.

• Green leafy vegetables (like spinach, kale)
• Flaky nuts (chickpeas, peas, lentils)
• Fruits like oranges
• Fortified Cereals

2. Consider Vitamin Supplements: Eating a balanced diet is best. But if that's difficult for you, taking a regular multivitamin won't hurt. But, the most important thing is to always talk to your doctor before starting any vitamin.

3. Stay away from bad habits: If you smoke, quit. Limit your alcohol consumption. These directly affect your overall health and your ability to have a healthy baby.

Raising a child is like a team sport. Keeping both parents healthy is the best gift a child can receive. So, as a father, start thinking about your health today.