Low sperm count and deformed sperm are two common causes of infertility in men, MayoClinic.com reports. Like many areas of the body, your reproductive system requires a steady stream of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to function at its best. Healthy sperm cells require ample amounts of zinc, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats play an especially critical role in the production of new sperm cells.
Sperm Health
Men are generally fertile if their sperm is produced in adequate quantities and with high levels of functioning sperm, MayoClinic.com notes. Low sperm count or immobile sperm can inhibit fertility. They define low sperm count as sperm levels below 39 million sperm per ejaculation. They note that at least 40 percent of your sperm should have enough motility to reach and fertilize the egg. Both the production and quality of sperm rely on proper nutrition.
Omega-3 Fats
Omega-3 fats are essential fats that the body can't produce on its own, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. One type of omega-3 fat -- docosahexaenoic-- is especially important for the production of new sperm cells, the January 2002 issue of "Human Reproduction" reports. DHA is especially important during the formation of sperm cell membranes -- an important part of sperm motility.
Research
As of 2011, there have been no human trials that have linked omega-3 supplementation with sperm quality or quantity. However, an animal study published in the August 2009 "Journal of Lipid Research" discovered that knocking out a rat's ability to utilize DHA resulted in a dramatic drop in sperm count. Additionally, the sperm that the rats produced were deformed and ineffective.
Dosage and Sources
The University of Maryland Medical center recommends taking between 2 g to 3 g of omega-3 fats in the form of fish and fish oil per day. However, talk to your doctor before taking fish oil, as it may interfere with certain medications. Natural sources of omega-3 fats from food include herring, sole, tuna, mackerel, salmon, flax seeds, walnuts and black beans.
References
- "Journal of Lipid Research"; Docosahexaenoic acid supplementation fully restores fertility and spermatogenesis in male delta-6 desaturase-null mice; M Rivera et al.; Augusr 2009
- MayoClinic.com: Healthy Sperm
- "Human Reproduction"; Characterization of human sperm; J Alvarez et al.; January 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Member Comments