Saturday, January 24, 2009

The Connection of Omega 3 Fatty Acids and Male Fertility

By Michael Byrd

What connects male fertility and omega 3 fatty acids?

That's an interesting issue. Let me enlighten you with a great answer.

Many people are still investigating the topic of omega 3 fatty acids and male fertility; especially when it comes to sperm and sperm mobility. But numerous reproductive benefits have already been proven for omega 3 fish oil.

As a case in point, it has been accepted that the fatty acids in fish increases blood flow to the genitals. It also decreases blood pressure in a natural way, supporting a healthy prostate gland.

These fish oil products are truly essential to the act of reproduction.

Immense blood flow to the genitals and normal pressure of blood negates the risk and probability of erectile dysfunction. It is difficult to reproduce if you're having trouble rising to the occasion.

Inflammation of the prostate, also known as prostatitis, has serious reproductive repercussions. It is therefore important for a man to supplement with fish oil regularly. Such natural anti-inflammatory ability of the fatty acids keeps the prostate to function in a healthy manner.

However, sperm delivery is only one part of reproduction. Sperm cells have to be many, strong, healthy and mobile in order for fertilization to happen.

Two things; cholesterol and oxidation within the sperm are reasons that can result in male infertility.

Crucial fatty acids and cholesterol make up a large part of sperm cell membranes. Omega 3 fatty acid which is found in fish oil is considered to be DHA which comprise 60% of the fatty acids. [Molecular Human Reproduction, Vol. 4, 111-118]

Studies have found that infertile men have a much lower level of DHA in their sperm cell membranes as opposed to fertile men.

Thus, DHA has an enormous outcome on the health and capability of the sperm.

The number of cholesterol found in the sperm is a different sign of infertility. The higher the cholesterol, the higher the infertility rate is. Cause of such is the presence of low fatty acids in the sperm. [Biology of Reproduction, vol. 59, 7-11]

The reason is that depletion of fatty acids would only mean a higher amount of cholesterol in the sperm membrane, thus keeping the sperm from growing.

In simple terms, low fatty acids cause a man to be infertile.

But there's more to that. Immature and abnormal sperm cells not only increase infertility but also create free radicals which cause oxidation and destruction of normal sperm cells. [Current Medical Chemistry, Vol. 8, 851-862]

Thus, fish oil omega 3 fatty acids and male fertility do both have a great impact.

Be aware that the only natural source for DHA is found in fish and fish oil. And such elements improve your fertility if you increase your intake of these important fatty acids, especially omega 3 with DHA.

Enhanced fish oil intake greatly strengthens the effectiveness of the sperm thus improving a man's probability of reproducing.

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