Taking fish oil supplements might improve testicular function in younger men, according to a recent study in JAMA Network Open.

Such improvements might also improve fertility, the researchers suggested.

The study involved 1,679 young Danish men who were having military physicals. They answered questions about their fish oil intake. They also provided semen and blood samples.

Overall, about 6% of the men said that they had taken fish oil supplements during the previous three months. Of these, 54% reported taking fish oil on 60 or more days during that time period.

The researchers discovered that in general, men who took fish oil supplements within the previous three months ejaculated higher amounts of semen, had higher total sperm counts, and had larger testes (testicles) than men who did not use the supplements.

The amount of time taking fish oil also seemed to make a difference. Men who took fish oil for 60 or more days during those three months had higher semen volumes,  higher total sperm counts, and larger testes compared to men who took supplements for less than 60 days.

Taking other supplements, such as multivitamins, did not seem to affect the results.

Fish oil ingredients might improve the way sperm cells function, the authors explained. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil enriches the sperm cell’s membrane, which could improve its form and swimming ability.

The findings need to be confirmed in larger studies, the authors said.

Men who are considering taking fish oil for fertility should check with their doctor first.

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