Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth BenefitsPossible Risks and ConsiderationsHow Often to Take ThemIncreasing Omega-3s Naturally
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Possible Risks and Considerations
How Often to Take Them
Increasing Omega-3s Naturally
Fish oil is a popular dietary supplement made from the fat of oily fish like salmon and mackerel. It’s known for being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especiallyeicosapentaenoicacid (EPA) anddocosahexaenoicacid (DHA).Research suggests that fish oil may provide specific benefits for men, including improved fertility and higher sperm counts.
However, if a person already eats a lot of oily fish, they might be getting enough omega-3s from their diet, which could reduce the need for supplements. It’s also important to keep in mind that there can be risks associated with taking fish oil, such as side effects and interactions with other medications.
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A Note on Gender and Sex TerminologyVerywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
A Note on Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
1. Aids Fertility
Infertility impacts approximately 15% of couples globally, with male factors like reduced semen quality playing a role in nearly 40% of these cases.
2. Boosts Sperm Count
Fish oil has been associated with increased sperm count and improvements in overall male fertility. Omega-3s play a crucial role in hormone regulation, including testosterone, which is essential for healthy sperm development.
Research indicates that omega-3s can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, potentially enhancing the delivery of nutrients and hormones required for sperm production. Additionally, fish oil helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, two factors that can negatively affect sperm health and quality.
3. May Help With Erectile Dysfunction
Fish oil may help improveerectile dysfunction (ED)due to its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which can enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation.Better blood circulation is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection, making omega-3s potentially beneficial for men experiencing ED. Some studies have suggested that taking fish oil supplements can improve vascular health, which is also linked to better erectile function.
Though animal study findings may not apply to humans, older research also suggests omega-3 fatty acids can still benefit men with erectile dysfunction.
4. Protects Heart Health
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil help protect heart health. The American Heart Association advises that omega-3s found in fish oil can lower the risk factors forcardiovascular disease (CVD), such as:
5. Aids Skin Health
Fish oil has proved beneficial for keeping our skin healthy and fixing various skin problems. Here’s how fish oil can help:
6. May Help Protect Eye Health
Fish oil is good for eye health mainly due to omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA, which help reduce inflammation linked to dry eye disease (DED) andage-related macular degeneration (AMD). These fatty acids help produce special substances called specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that help stop inflammation and control the growth of bad blood vessels, which can be a problem in both DED and AMD.
7. Improves Memory
In a prospective cohort study that included 210 healthy men ages 70 to 89, researchers found that those who consumed fish experienced less cognitive decline after five years compared to those who did not.
8. Improves Depression Symptoms
A 2016 study that looked at 26 different research papers involving 150,278 participants found that eating more fish was linked to a 17% lower risk of depression.However, a 2015 Cochrane review, which also examined 26 studies, couldn’t find enough evidence to say for sure that omega-3 fatty acids (which include EPA and DHA) are helpful for adults with major depression. They noticed only a small to moderate improvement in some depression symptoms.
When considering fish oil supplements, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and considerations to ensure you make informed decisions for your health. Potential side effects are typically mild and may include:
It is important to know that high doses of fish oil can thin the blood, which may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if combined with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin.
How Often Should You Take Fish Oil Supplements?
The National Academy of Medicine develops Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) and provides estimates of the amount of nutrients a healthy person should consume. Currently, there is no official recommended daily allowance for omega-3s. However, the National Academy of Medicine did establish an Adequate Intake (AI) metric for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3.
Although specific recommendations have not been established, incorporating fish oil into your daily routine can help you meet these intake levels and support overall health.Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized supplementation advice.
Other Ways to Increase Omega-3s Naturally
If you’re looking to boost your omega-3 intake naturally, you can consider several dietary sources and lifestyle changes. Here are some effective ways to increase your omega-3s:
Summary
In conclusion, fish oil offers several potential health benefits for men, particularly in areas such as fertility, heart health, and cognitive function. Though it may help enhance sperm quality and count, improve erectile function, and support overall well-being, it’s essential to consider dietary sources and individual nutritional needs.
As with any dietary change, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable to determine the most suitable approach for your health goals. By making informed choices, men can effectively harness the advantages of omega-3 fatty acids for better health.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids.Jensen TK, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, et al.Associations of fish oil supplement use with testicular function in young men.JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(1):e1919462. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19462Falsig AML, Gleerup CS, Knudsen UB.The influence of omega‐3 fatty acids on semen quality markers: a systematic PRISMA review.Andrology. 2019;7(6):794-803. doi:10.1111/andr.12649Krupa KN, Fritz K, Parmar M.Omega-3 fatty acids. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Liao J, Xiong Q, Yin Y, et al.The effects of fish oil on cardiovascular diseases: systematical evaluation and recent advance.Front Cardiovasc Med.2022;8:802306. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2021.802306Shim JS, Kim DH, Bae JH, Moon DG.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on erectile dysfunction in a rat model of atherosclerosis-induced chronic pelvic ischemia. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2016;31(4):585-589. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.585Meldrum DR, Gambone JC, Morris MA, Ignarro LJ.A multifaceted approach to maximize erectile function and vascular health. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 94, Issue 7, 2514 - 2520.Yokoyama M, Origasa H, Matsuzaki M, et al.Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on major coronary events in hypercholesterolaemic patients (JELIS): a randomised open-label, blinded endpoint analysis.Lancet2007;369:1090-8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60527-3Huang TH, Wang PW, Yang SC, et al.Cosmetic and therapeutic applications of fish oil’s fatty acids on the skin.Marine Drugs.2018; 16(8):256. doi:10.3390/md16080256Wang H, Daggy BP.The role of fish oil in inflammatory eye diseases.Biomed Hub.2017;2(1):1-12.Li F, Liu X, Zhang D.Fish consumption and risk of depression: a meta-analysis.J Epidemiol Community Health.2016;70(3):299-304.Appleton KM, Sallis HM, Perry R, et al.Omega‐3 fatty acids for depression in adults.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(11). doi:0.1002/14651858.CD004692.pub4National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for professionals.Nogoy KMC, Sun B, Shin S, et al.Fatty acid composition of grain- and grass-fed beef and their nutritional value and health implication.Food Science of Animal Resources. 2022;42(1):18-33. doi:10.5851/kosfa.2021.e73
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids.Jensen TK, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, et al.Associations of fish oil supplement use with testicular function in young men.JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(1):e1919462. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19462Falsig AML, Gleerup CS, Knudsen UB.The influence of omega‐3 fatty acids on semen quality markers: a systematic PRISMA review.Andrology. 2019;7(6):794-803. doi:10.1111/andr.12649Krupa KN, Fritz K, Parmar M.Omega-3 fatty acids. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Liao J, Xiong Q, Yin Y, et al.The effects of fish oil on cardiovascular diseases: systematical evaluation and recent advance.Front Cardiovasc Med.2022;8:802306. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2021.802306Shim JS, Kim DH, Bae JH, Moon DG.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on erectile dysfunction in a rat model of atherosclerosis-induced chronic pelvic ischemia. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2016;31(4):585-589. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.585Meldrum DR, Gambone JC, Morris MA, Ignarro LJ.A multifaceted approach to maximize erectile function and vascular health. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 94, Issue 7, 2514 - 2520.Yokoyama M, Origasa H, Matsuzaki M, et al.Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on major coronary events in hypercholesterolaemic patients (JELIS): a randomised open-label, blinded endpoint analysis.Lancet2007;369:1090-8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60527-3Huang TH, Wang PW, Yang SC, et al.Cosmetic and therapeutic applications of fish oil’s fatty acids on the skin.Marine Drugs.2018; 16(8):256. doi:10.3390/md16080256Wang H, Daggy BP.The role of fish oil in inflammatory eye diseases.Biomed Hub.2017;2(1):1-12.Li F, Liu X, Zhang D.Fish consumption and risk of depression: a meta-analysis.J Epidemiol Community Health.2016;70(3):299-304.Appleton KM, Sallis HM, Perry R, et al.Omega‐3 fatty acids for depression in adults.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(11). doi:0.1002/14651858.CD004692.pub4National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for professionals.Nogoy KMC, Sun B, Shin S, et al.Fatty acid composition of grain- and grass-fed beef and their nutritional value and health implication.Food Science of Animal Resources. 2022;42(1):18-33. doi:10.5851/kosfa.2021.e73
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids.Jensen TK, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, et al.Associations of fish oil supplement use with testicular function in young men.JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(1):e1919462. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19462Falsig AML, Gleerup CS, Knudsen UB.The influence of omega‐3 fatty acids on semen quality markers: a systematic PRISMA review.Andrology. 2019;7(6):794-803. doi:10.1111/andr.12649Krupa KN, Fritz K, Parmar M.Omega-3 fatty acids. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024Liao J, Xiong Q, Yin Y, et al.The effects of fish oil on cardiovascular diseases: systematical evaluation and recent advance.Front Cardiovasc Med.2022;8:802306. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2021.802306Shim JS, Kim DH, Bae JH, Moon DG.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on erectile dysfunction in a rat model of atherosclerosis-induced chronic pelvic ischemia. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2016;31(4):585-589. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.585Meldrum DR, Gambone JC, Morris MA, Ignarro LJ.A multifaceted approach to maximize erectile function and vascular health. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 94, Issue 7, 2514 - 2520.Yokoyama M, Origasa H, Matsuzaki M, et al.Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on major coronary events in hypercholesterolaemic patients (JELIS): a randomised open-label, blinded endpoint analysis.Lancet2007;369:1090-8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60527-3Huang TH, Wang PW, Yang SC, et al.Cosmetic and therapeutic applications of fish oil’s fatty acids on the skin.Marine Drugs.2018; 16(8):256. doi:10.3390/md16080256Wang H, Daggy BP.The role of fish oil in inflammatory eye diseases.Biomed Hub.2017;2(1):1-12.Li F, Liu X, Zhang D.Fish consumption and risk of depression: a meta-analysis.J Epidemiol Community Health.2016;70(3):299-304.Appleton KM, Sallis HM, Perry R, et al.Omega‐3 fatty acids for depression in adults.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(11). doi:0.1002/14651858.CD004692.pub4National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for professionals.Nogoy KMC, Sun B, Shin S, et al.Fatty acid composition of grain- and grass-fed beef and their nutritional value and health implication.Food Science of Animal Resources. 2022;42(1):18-33. doi:10.5851/kosfa.2021.e73
National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Omega-3 fatty acids.
Jensen TK, Priskorn L, Holmboe SA, et al.Associations of fish oil supplement use with testicular function in young men.JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(1):e1919462. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.19462
Falsig AML, Gleerup CS, Knudsen UB.The influence of omega‐3 fatty acids on semen quality markers: a systematic PRISMA review.Andrology. 2019;7(6):794-803. doi:10.1111/andr.12649
Krupa KN, Fritz K, Parmar M.Omega-3 fatty acids. In: StatPearls: StatPearls Publishing; 2024
Liao J, Xiong Q, Yin Y, et al.The effects of fish oil on cardiovascular diseases: systematical evaluation and recent advance.Front Cardiovasc Med.2022;8:802306. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2021.802306
Shim JS, Kim DH, Bae JH, Moon DG.Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on erectile dysfunction in a rat model of atherosclerosis-induced chronic pelvic ischemia. Journal of Korean Medical Science. 2016;31(4):585-589. doi:10.3346/jkms.2016.31.4.585
Meldrum DR, Gambone JC, Morris MA, Ignarro LJ.A multifaceted approach to maximize erectile function and vascular health. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 94, Issue 7, 2514 - 2520.
Yokoyama M, Origasa H, Matsuzaki M, et al.Effects of eicosapentaenoic acid on major coronary events in hypercholesterolaemic patients (JELIS): a randomised open-label, blinded endpoint analysis.Lancet2007;369:1090-8. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(07)60527-3
Huang TH, Wang PW, Yang SC, et al.Cosmetic and therapeutic applications of fish oil’s fatty acids on the skin.Marine Drugs.2018; 16(8):256. doi:10.3390/md16080256
Wang H, Daggy BP.The role of fish oil in inflammatory eye diseases.Biomed Hub.2017;2(1):1-12.
Li F, Liu X, Zhang D.Fish consumption and risk of depression: a meta-analysis.J Epidemiol Community Health.2016;70(3):299-304.
Appleton KM, Sallis HM, Perry R, et al.Omega‐3 fatty acids for depression in adults.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015;(11). doi:0.1002/14651858.CD004692.pub4
National Institutes of Health.Omega-3 fatty acids fact sheet for professionals.
Nogoy KMC, Sun B, Shin S, et al.Fatty acid composition of grain- and grass-fed beef and their nutritional value and health implication.Food Science of Animal Resources. 2022;42(1):18-33. doi:10.5851/kosfa.2021.e73
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