Fish Oil Fosters Fatherhood

In particular, men who take fish oil supplements tend to have better sperm quality and higher testosterone levels than those who don’t. In males,low testosterone may lead to a decreased production of sperm and affect fertility indirectly by lowering sex drive or triggering erectile dysfunction. Despite many advances in the fertility field, men with low sperm quality continue to represent one of the biggest patient groups among urologists (physicians who specialize in male reproductive health).

So, how exactly does fish oil help achieve fatherhood? Let’s look at the facts…

The omega-3s found in cold water seafood are long chained fatty acids called EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). 

Just like the brain and eyes, sperm contains a significant amount of omega 3 fatty acids. DHA is especially abundant in the testes and extremely critical to healthy sperm. So, it makes sense that getting plenty of this important nutrient would support sperm quality and therefore reproductive health.

Sperm resemble tiny tadpoles with a head and tail that allow them to “swim.” DHA helps to form a structure called the acrosome that sits on the sperm’s head like a pointy cap. Vesicles (think tiny bubbles of membrane) fuse together to form the acrosome, and within these bubbles reside enzymes that sperm need to penetrate an egg. When a sperm meets an egg, the acrosome bursts to release these enzymes and assist with fertilization. This is just one small but very critical step in the intricate process of fertility and reproduction. 

Without adequate DHA, the fusion of these vesicles that create the acrosome will not happen and sperm development comes to a screeching halt. In this case, under a microscope, researchers will see sperm with very round heads, indicating they’re missing their pointy acrosome caps. Round headed sperm are referred to as “sterile swimmers” while healthy sperm could be called “cone heads.”

Scientists have noted an overall decline in male fertility and research has concluded that sperm density has fallen by 40% over the last 50 years! 

Numerous studies have concluded that men who incorporate fish oil into their diet receive reproductive benefits. In fact, there are at least 14 published studies demonstrating an improvement or association between omega‐3 and at least one semen quality marker.

Human studies have specifically noted the beneficial effects of fish oil on spermatogenesis (the development of sperm cells in male organs), and conclude that supplementation with fish oil is a valid route to improving sperm quality. 

My advice is to eat as many servings of cold-water fatty fish and low mercury seafood as possible. It’s ideal to get at least 2-3 servings in per week and also take a high quality fish oil supplement.

Try…

• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Cod liver oil (also a big source of vitamins D & A)
• Sardines
• Anchovies
• White fish (cod, grouper, bass, haddock, halibut)
• Trout
• Herring
• Shrimp/Oysters
• Algae 

When it comes to sperm health, Omega 3s fatty acids from fish most definitely play a huge role. Nutrients with antioxidant power like selenium and CoQ10 have also shown the ability to help men improve factors associated with infertility. 

While your body can make DHA from other omega 3 fatty acids, we’re talking about very small amounts here. You really can’t rely on your body to make enough DHA for optimum health – you need to get EPA and DHA directly from food or supplementation. 

If you’re a fish fearing hopeful father, you’ll need to just make friends and see fish in a new light. Fish oil supplements are your best bet if you can’t eat a significant amount of fish. If you’re like most people, seafood is just not on your plate everyday. Having access to fresh quality seafood is really a luxury for a majority of the population. This is why it is imperative to supplement fish oil. Remember, omega 3s benefit just about every system of your body…even if fatherhood isn’t on the brain quite yet.

Ready to up your seafood game? Where it comes from does matter! Read why Farm Raised vs. Wild Caught Fish makes a difference in the benefits you’ll receive. 

Baby on the way? When expecting mothers take a fish oil supplement it will benefit the baby’s growth and development for years to come. Find out why here.

Besides proper nutrition and supplementation, you should consider how your lifestyle can affect fertility.

Here are 10 risk factors that can negatively influence sperm quality and fertility in general:

1. Smoking
2. Obesity
3. Alcohol use
4. Illicit drug use
5. Excessive caffeine use
6. Stress
7. Poor sleep
8. Lack of exercise
9. Inflammatory diet
10. Exposure to environmental toxins

There are a ton of fish oil supplements on the market and they are NOT all created equal when it comes to purity and potency. Do yourself a favor and don’t cut corners when it comes to choosing fish oil. Poor quality fish oil can actually cause your body more harm than good. 

I’ve created my own Omega 3 fatty acids formula that is ultra-pure fish oil providing the important Omega-3’s, including EPA and DHA. BodyManual sources only the highest quality fish oil which includes a touch of natural vitamin E to prevent oxidation. All of our products are tested by an independent third party to ensure freshness, potency and purity before our products leave the manufacturing facility.

For more information you can share, check out my blog/video on Fish Oil Benefits and Why You Should be Supplementing.