The evidence from the study we’ll be discussing is still considered inconclusive, but it suggests that semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young men can be improved with omega-3s.
The study was conducted by Tina Kold Jensen, Ph.D., from the University of Southern Denmark. Jensen and her colleagues are quoted as saying that the findings “suggest that intake of fish oil supplements was associated with better testicular function…”
Fish Oil Supplements Improve Semen Quality
The young men in the study in the control group took fish oil supplements to test this theory with omega-3s. Certain fish species are very high in omega-3 fatty acids.
The fish oil supplements were found to be associated with higher semen volume and total sperm count, larger testicular size, a higher calculated free testosterone to luteinizing hormone (LH) ratio, and lower follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH levels.
These findings are discovered after adjusting for age, fever within the last three months, smoking, ejaculation abstinence, and physical fitness.
1,679 men were included in this study with a mean age of 18.9 years. 5.8% of the men used fish oil supplements in the last three months and of these 98 men, 53 took the supplement for at least 60 days.
When comparing the group of men who had no supplements with men who took fish oil for less than 60 days, the men with supplements had semen volume that was 0.38 mL higher than the control (no supplements). The men who took supplements for 60 or more days had semen volume that was 0.64 mL higher than the control.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids Increase Testicular Size
The fish oil also had an impact on testicular size. The men who took supplements for less than 60 days demonstrated testicular size that was 0.8 mL larger than the control while the men who took it for more than 60 days were 1.5 mL larger than the control.
In addition, men who took supplements had 20% lower levels of FSH and 16% lower LH levels than men in the control.
What needs to happen next, to confirm the results of this small study, are randomized clinical trials but Albert Salas-Huetos, Ph.D., from the University of Utah School of Medicine said this is a good start.
The evidence that shows an association between sperm quality and diet is increasing quickly. All we need now is well-designed research clinical trials.
Take High-Quality Omega-3 Supplements if Worried About Fertility
Follow our website to stay up-to-date on hormone news regarding nutrition and its effects on fertility, hormones, and semen quality.
If you are concerned about your fertility and health, considered getting a high-quality daily omega-3 supplement. You can also start by contacting our clinic to see what your baseline omega-3 levels are before starting any sort of supplementation. Contact us today to get started!
Reference
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