Study Links Fish Oil Supplements and Men's Sperm Health

Back in July, a study from The Annals of Internal Medicine found that only two of 16 popular supplements provided a “significant link to longevity or heart health,” one being fish oil. Now, research suggests those little yellow capsules may be even more crucial for men.

Fish oil supplements were found to contribute to higher sperm count, higher semen volume and larger testicular size in a new study from the University of Southern Denmark, as reported by The New York Times. The common supplement, which contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, is often taken with the goal of reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and other heart-health issues.

“Researchers studied 1,679 Danish men taking physical examinations for compulsory military service,” writes the Times. “Their average age was 19, and 98 of them reported taking fish oil supplements during the previous three months.” Those 98 men showed significantly better sperm health.

Does this mean those having sperm and testicular issues should start popping fish oil capsules like candy? Not quite. Lead author Dr. Tina Kold Jensen told the Times that these results need to be replicated in other studies before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Also, because the men were all young and healthy, that could mean the results would be different for older and/or unhealthy men.

That said, there are two reasons men should consider taking fish oil, even before other studies are concluded. For one, the supplement is readily available, and doesn’t have risky side effects when taken in the recommended daily dosage (plus, as mentioned before, it could also have heart-health benefits). Secondly, the study showed those who took fish oil more regularly had even better men’s health benefits than those who took it less frequently.

Already eating fish regularly? Then don’t worry about it, you’ve most likely been giving your sperm a boost without even knowing it.

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