The Effects of Omega Fatty Acids on Fertility

Omega-3 fatty acids are very important for people who want to maintain their health. While most people are aware of the general health benefits omega-3s provide, they are also especially great for women who are hoping to get pregnant because they’re excellent for fertility.

What are Omega-3 Fatty Acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are the good fats that the body needs and are essential for maintaining health. In order for the body to work properly, you need to add omega-3 to your diet. However, the body does not produce the omega-3 that you need and sometimes it is not always possible to obtain proper amounts from food, thus they are acquired from either supplements or a specific omega-3 rich diet.

How Omega Fatty Acids Benefit Fertility

Omegas are known to promote fertility, particularly in men. For men, omega fatty acids are crucial. Healthy semen is rich in prostaglandins, which are produced from these fats. The omega fatty acids are good for the maturity and viability of the male’s sperm and studies have shown that men with poor sperm count or quality tend to have inadequate levels of prostaglandins. Overall, the more omega-3 you have in your body, the higher your sperm motility will be.

In addition to being good for male fertility, omega fatty acids are also good for female fertility. A 2012 study showed that life-long consumption of omegas could promote good fertility even when women are advanced in age. Additionally, the study also found that even a short-term omega treatment can improve the woman’s egg quality.

One of the reasons why omega-3s are so good for fertility is because they regulate the body’s hormones. When a woman’s hormones are regulated, it can become easier to conceive. Omega-3s will also help produce high-quality cervical mucus while helping with healthy ovulation and making the uterus healthier overall.

Even after becoming pregnant, many women, especially those with PCOS, still have higher rates of miscarriages. For women who consume large amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, they tend to be able to carry their babies for a longer period of time and have a lower rate of premature births which can cause physical and neurological problems such as learning disabilities.

Where Can Omega-3s Come From?

Since the body doesn’t make omega-3 fatty acids on its own, you’ll need to get them from somewhere else. One of the best sources of omega-3s is from oily seafood. This includes salmon, anchovies, herring and sardines. The best part of the fish is the oil, so the oilier fishes will provide the most omega-3 fatty acids. Two servings of these oily fish are recommended per week in order to get enough fatty acids in your diet. You can also get omega-3s from krill oil and flaxseed oil, as well as from eggs and certain kinds of meat. However, note that if you’re not able to get enough omega-3s from your diet, you’ll need to take supplements. If you opt to take supplements, make sure to choose one that offers the full spectrum of omega-3s.

Omega-3s are beneficial beyond pregnancy. Once you do get pregnant, you should continue taking omega-3 supplements or adding omega-3 foods to your diet. Pregnancy benefits of these fatty acids include helping the baby’s systems to develop normally. If you’ve been adding omega-3 foods and supplements to your diet pre-pregnancy, continue doing so throughout your pregnancy. It’s also a good habit to get into for your regular life since fatty acids promote overall health.