A Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation on Male Fertility and Live Birth: Design and Baseline Characteristics.

A Randomized Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation on Male Fertility and Live Birth: Design and Baseline Characteristics. Am J Epidemiol. 2019 Nov 12;: Authors: Schisterman EF, Clemons T, Peterson CM, Johnstone E, Hammoud AO, Lamb D, Carrell DT, Perkins NJ, Sjaarda LA, Van Voorhis BJ, Ryan G, Summers K, Campbell B, Robins J, Chaney K, Mills JL, Mendola P, Chen Z, DeVilbiss EA, Mumford SL Abstract The Folic Acid and Zinc Supplementation Trial (FAZST) was a multi-center, double-blind, block-randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine whether folic acid and zinc supplementation in men improves semen quality and increases live birth rate among couples seeking infertility treatment (2013-2017). Eligible men were ages 18 years or older with their female partners ages 18-45 seeking infertility treatment. Men were randomized (1:1) to 5 mg folic acid and 30 mg elemental zinc daily or matching placebo for six months. Randomization was stratified by site and intended infertility treatment (in vitro fertilization (IVF), non-IVF/study site, and non-IVF/outside clinic). Follow-up of men continued for 6 months, while female partners were passively followed for a minimum of nine months. Women who conceived were followed throughout pregnancy. Overall, 2,370 men were randomized between 2013-2017 (1185 folic acid and zinc, 1185 placebo), with mean age of 33 years and body mass index of 29.8. Participants were mostly...
Source: Am J Epidemiol - Category: Epidemiology Authors: Tags: Am J Epidemiol Source Type: research