High-Dose Supplementation of Folic Acid in Infertile Men Improves IVF-ICSI Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial (FOLFIV Trial)

Dietary supplementation is commonly used in men with male infertility but its exact role is poorly understood. The aim of this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to evaluate the impact of high-dose folic acid supplementation on IVF-ICSI outcomes. 162 couples with male infertility and an indication for IVF-ICSI were included for one IVF-ICSI cycle. Male partners of couples wishing to conceive, aged 18-60 years old, with at least one abnormal spermatic criterion were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive daily supplements containing 15 mg of folic acid or a placebo for 3 months from Day 0 until semen collection for IVF-ICSI. Sperm parameters and DNA fragmentation before and after the treatment and the biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates after the fresh embryo transfer were analyzed. We observed an increase in the biochemical pregnancy rate and a trend for a higher clinical pregnancy rate in the folic acid group compared to placebo (44.1% versus 22.4%, p = 0.01 and 35.6% versus 20.4%, p = 0.082, respectively). Even if no changes in sperm characteristics were observed, a decrease in DNA fragmentation in the folic acid group was noted (8.5 +/- 4.5 vs. 6.4 +/- 4.6, p < 0.0001). High-dose folic acid supplementation in men requiring IVF-ICSI for male infertility improves IVF-ICSI outcomes.

Automated summary

High-dose folic acid supplementation in men with male infertility undergoing IVF-ICSI has been shown to increase the biochemical pregnancy rate, reduce DNA fragmentation, and potentially improve the clinical pregnancy rate. Despite no observed changes in sperm characteristics, folic acid supplementation appears to have a positive impact on IVF-ICSI outcomes for male infertility patients.