Male Fertility: Omega-3s Protect Sperm
Male fertility: stronger and healthier sperm thanks to Omega 3 supplements
Foods rich in Omega 3 improve male fertility because they protect and enhance the characteristics of sperm. The good news comes from the journal Human Reproduction, which published the results of a study led by Jill Attaman from Harvard Medical School in Boston (USA). Beyond the already known health benefits, the data collected by the researcher indicate that Omega-3s can also help improve male fertility.
“Good” fats and “bad” fats: the difference
The belief that fats are harmful nutrients comes from years of research on overweight, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. However, not all fats are the same and they should not be completely banned from the diet. Besides being essential components of cells, these molecules perform important functions that, depending on the type of fat considered, can also improve health. This is the case for Omega-3s, essential fatty acids that have a clear beneficial effect on the body. In particular:
- they counteract inflammatory phenomena;
- reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and arthritis;
- help the development and functioning of the nervous system.
Promoting male fertility with Omega-3s
Attaman and colleagues added a new piece to the mosaic of Omega-3 benefits. The researchers aimed to evaluate the link between dietary fats and parameters indicating sperm quality. The study involved 99 men who had visited a fertility clinic, with an average age of about 36 and a half years. Participants were divided into 3 groups based on the levels of fats consumed in their diet. Semen analysis revealed that a high intake of these nutrients significantly reduces sperm count. Indeed, compared to men consuming the lowest fat levels, those with the highest intake had a total sperm count and concentration lower by 43% and 38% respectively. However, sperm from men following a diet rich in Omega-3s showed better morphological characteristics.
Fat-rich foods and sperm quality: significant association
Attaman emphasized that the link between "intake of fat-rich foods / sperm quality" offers further evidence of the potential benefits derived from reducing consumption of these foods. Although further studies are needed to prove a cause-effect relationship, the results confirm the importance of a healthy diet to ensure fertility.
