Fish oil is a common dietary supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that fish oil can be beneficial for health and protection against certain diseases. It may also have specific benefits for men, as fish oil can help with erections and fertility. Eating fish with a high fat content provides enough of these fatty acids. For individuals who do not consume fish or who only occasionally eat fish, taking a fish oil supplement can ensure that they are getting enough of the essential fatty acids. Fish oil is obtained from various types of fatty fish, such as mackerel, tuna and herring. Manufacturers can use many different methods to extract fish oil, but most techniques generally involve a four-step process: cooking, pressing, filtering, and centrifuging the resulting oil. Fish oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own. Two of the most well-known omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Consuming fish oil can bring some health benefits and help with a number of health problems. Fish oil can have effects on various areas of health and can be a useful dietary supplement for men. Some potential benefits of fish oil for men are: 1. Sexual health and fertility Although not widely reported, fish oil supplements may have benefits for sexual health and fertility. A 2017 study examined the effects of omega-3 fatty acids and erectile dysfunction due to atherosclerosis. In this condition, blood vessels narrow, which can affect erection. A significantly improved erection quality was reported in the group fed omega-3 fatty acids. A 2020 study of 1,694 young men found that those who used fish oil supplements had a larger volume and better quality of semen. Participants who took the supplement also had a healthier follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone profile. These are two key hormones that regulate sperm production. Although the study cannot conclude that fish oil causes improvement, it suggests that the supplement may play a significant role in male infertility therapy. 2. Mental health Research shows that patients with depression may have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. In a small study of 23 people published in Psychiatry Research, omega-3 fatty acid supplements helped improve symptoms of depression within 3 weeks. There are links between depression and memory problems.Supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) alone or in combination with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) may improve memory function in some groups of adults. Although studies suggest that fish oil supplements may help prevent cognitive decline, especially in older adults, a 2019 review notes that more research is still needed. Heart Health According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men. Fish consumption may have a protective effect on heart health by reducing some of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, and although the body needs them, if their levels are too high, they can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Fish oil can help lower high blood triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Eating fish can also help significantly lower low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol. Eye health Some evidence suggests that adequate intake of fish oil may help protect eye health. A 2017 review notes that fish oil may play a role in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye. References: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Derbyshire, E. (2018). Brain health across the lifespan: A systematic review on the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Gammone, MA, et al. (2018). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Benefits and endpoints in sport 3. Medical News Today. What to know about the benefits of fish oil for menA 2017 review notes that fish oil may play a role in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye. References: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Derbyshire, E. (2018). Brain health across the lifespan: A systematic review on the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Gammone, MA, et al. (2018). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Benefits and endpoints in sport 3. Medical News Today. What to know about the benefits of fish oil for menA 2017 review notes that fish oil may play a role in the treatment of inflammatory eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and dry eye. References: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Derbyshire, E. (2018). Brain health across the lifespan: A systematic review on the role of omega-3 fatty acid supplements 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Gammone, MA, et al. (2018). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Benefits and endpoints in sport 3. Medical News Today. What to know about the benefits of fish oil for men