{"id":630142,"date":"2024-10-28T09:30:37","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T13:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630142"},"modified":"2024-10-21T11:20:46","modified_gmt":"2024-10-21T15:20:46","slug":"fish-oil-benefits-for-men","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/fish-oil-benefits-for-men\/","title":{"rendered":"12 fish oil benefits for men"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unlike some products, <\/span>fish oil supplements<\/span><\/a> are exactly what they say they are: oil extracted from the tissue of fatty, oily fish, such as mackerel, sardines, herring, anchovies, and salmon. The oil is then purified to be sold in liquid, capsule, or pill form. Many people believe it\u2019s an easy way to supplement a healthy diet and treat certain health conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids (which are types of polyunsaturated fatty acids, or PUFAs, the so-called \u201cgood fats\u201d), fish oil, when taken daily, may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, relieve inflammation, and improve brain function and mental health. Studies have also shown that men may experience additional health benefits from fish oil, including improvements in <\/span>testicular function<\/span><\/a> and erectile dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n

12 fish oil benefits for men<\/span><\/h2>\n

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential acids, meaning they are important for our health, but we need to get them from our diet since our bodies can’t produce them. The three main types of omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA, which the body can convert to EPA or DHA, can be found in some nuts, seeds, and plant oils, such as flaxseed, canola, and soybean oils. EPA and DHA, which are used more efficiently by the body than ALA, are both present in fish oil, krill oil, and cod liver oil.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking fish oil supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider may be beneficial for almost anyone. However, men, in particular, may experience specific benefits of fish oil when it comes to sexual performance. Getting the right amount of omega-3 fatty acids may be good for both the penis and the testes, in addition to all the other health benefits it provides. Here are the top 12 ways that fish oil may benefit men\u2019s health.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Heart health<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cInterest in fish oil started in the 1970s when it was discovered that middle-aged men who ate high amounts of fish and seafood had less cardiovascular disease than men who did not,\u201d says <\/span>Stefan Pasiakos<\/span><\/a>, Ph.D., the director of the <\/span>Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health<\/span><\/a> (NIH). The men in <\/span>the study<\/span><\/a>, Inuits living in Greenland, also had lower cholesterol and lower triglycerides in their blood than a control group of Inuits residing in Denmark.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter that, more studies and research were conducted to showcase the impact fish oil has on brain health, heart health, reduction of inflammation, gut health, and more,\u201d adds <\/span>Angel Planells MS, RDN<\/span><\/a>, a registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the <\/span>Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics<\/span><\/a>. \u201cConsuming omega-3 fatty acids was shown to be beneficial in reducing the risks of heart attack and stroke.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe FDA has also approved several highly concentrated fish oils as prescription drugs for treating very high triglyceride levels, further highlighting the recognized therapeutic potential of omega-3 fatty acids in managing cardiovascular health,\u201d says Duffy MacKay, ND, doctor of naturopathic medicine and Senior Vice President of Dietary Supplements for the <\/span>Consumer Healthcare Products Association<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that while the research is <\/span>not conclusive<\/span><\/a>, consuming EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the risk of heart disease. A healthier heart not only decreases the risk of heart disease but also means better blood circulation, which, for men, can help improve <\/span>erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Improved endothelial function<\/span><\/h3>\n

The endothelium, made up of endothelial cells, is a thin layer that lines the insides of blood vessels. When the endothelium isn\u2019t working correctly, your cells can\u2019t relax and fill with blood in a process known as vasodilation. This process is what allows the penis to harden during an erection. Inadequate vasodilation may lead to erectile dysfunction or the inability to get an erection. A <\/span>2017 review<\/span><\/a> found that EPA and DHA improved endothelial dysfunction in 94% of studies included.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Better testicular function<\/span><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>2020 study<\/span><\/a> done in Denmark found that taking fish oil supplements was linked to higher semen volume, total sperm count, and free testosterone to luteinizing hormone (LH) ratio. A low testosterone to LH ratio may <\/span>contribute<\/span><\/a> to erectile dysfunction, as it indicates an imbalance in hormone levels that can affect sexual function. Thus, improving it could improve sexual function.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Brain health<\/span><\/h3>\n

\u201cAs far as brain health goes, studies have focused on cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases,\u201d says Planells. A <\/span>review<\/span><\/a> published in 2022 found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids improved learning, memory, cognitive well-being, and blood flow in the brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

It was once thought these brain benefits might also help with age-related conditions like dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease. However, a <\/span>2024 study<\/span><\/a> showed that fish oil supplementation did not significantly reduce white-matter lesions (WML) in people at risk for dementia. WMLs are areas of impaired brain function. When <\/span>WMLs increase<\/span><\/a>, the risk of stroke, cognitive decline, and mortality also increases.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Improved mood<\/span><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>2018 review<\/span><\/a> determined that fish oil may help treat depression by decreasing inflammation and influencing the activity of messenger cells in your brain called neurotransmitters. \u201cEPA and DHA are incorporated into our cell membranes and concentrated in our retinas and brain and, in men, sperm,\u201d says Pasiakos. Because fish oil affects brain cell membranes, it could make it easier for chemicals that affect your mood, such as dopamine and serotonin, to travel between cells.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Inflammation reduction<\/span><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>2019 study<\/span><\/a> from the <\/span>American Heart Association<\/span><\/a> journal <\/span>Circulation Research<\/span><\/i> found that omega-3 fatty acids fight inflammation by increasing the level of anti-inflammatory molecules in the blood. Past studies have concluded that fish oil supplements can show significant benefit in treating numerous inflammatory and autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and migraine headaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Better gut health<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although it recognized the need for more conclusive research on the subject, a <\/span>2017 study <\/span><\/a>found that eating a diet rich in omega-3s is beneficial because omega-3 fatty acids contribute to good gut health. \u201cFish oil appears to promote growth of the beneficial bacteria in the gut, reducing gut inflammation, which aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system,\u201d says Planells.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Increased testosterone<\/span><\/h3>\n

Although there are other factors at play besides fish oil, a <\/span>2024 study<\/span><\/a> found that eating more fish was linked to higher levels of serum testosterone\u2014a measure of the amount of testosterone in your blood. Low serum testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, can cause a number of health issues in men, such as sexual dysfunction, depression, and even decreased bone health.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Skin health<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to a <\/span>2018 study<\/span><\/a>, fatty acids from fish oil can reduce inflammation from sun exposure, moisturize dry skin, speed wound healing, and even prevent the development of skin cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

McKay recommends taking fish oil orally instead of rubbing it on the skin. \u201cAlthough topical application is possible and might seem to have benefits, its tendency to oxidize quickly when exposed to air creates an unpleasant smell that would leave you smelling like old fish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

While some studies suggest that fish oil\u2019s anti-inflammatory properties could help reduce the <\/span>severity of acne<\/span><\/a> for some people, other people may see their acne get worse as a result of taking fish oil supplements. Ultimately, it was determined that more research is needed on the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and acne.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Eye health<\/span><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> conducted in 2018 in Australia and New Zealand found that after taking fish oil supplements for three months, participants had significantly reduced intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids could help people living with dry eye disease (DED). Although more research is needed, a <\/span>2023 meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> found that patients who took omega-3 supplements showed noticeable improvements in dry eye symptoms compared to those who did not receive the supplements.<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Bone health<\/span><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>2019 study<\/span><\/a> found that concentrated fish oil (CFO) may help reduce age-associated bone loss by reducing the inflammation that causes bone resorption. The study suggested that beginning supplementation during middle age could contribute to better bone health as you age. The study also showed that a higher dose of CFO was particularly effective in maintaining bone mineral density compared to other oils like safflower oil and regular fish oil.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Liver health<\/span><\/h3>\n

A study published in the medical journal <\/span>Frontiers in Public Health<\/span><\/i><\/a> found that omega-3 supplementation could lower the risk of liver disease, including fatty liver disease and liver failure. Liver disease is becoming more common, and there are currently no approved treatments. Given the low risk of taking fish oil, it might be a potential option to manage the disease. However, more research is needed to confirm its benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fish oil side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil, EPA and DHA, are considered \u201c<\/span>generally safe<\/span><\/a>\u201d by the FDA, but, in rare cases, fish oil supplementation may have unpleasant side effects. According to Pasiakos, taking fish oil supplements could cause:<\/span><\/p>\n