In Western societies our typical intake of omega-6 PUFA is high and the ratio of the omega-6: omega-3 fatty acids in the UK is now thought to be greater than 10:1 and even as high as 25:1 in some adult diets. In comparison, many years ago the omega-6: omega-3 ratio dietary intake of primitive man was closer to 1:1.

There are three important omega-3 fatty acids; alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and two important omega-6 fatty acids; linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA).

Over the last 50 years or so we have seen the most dramatic changes in intakes of the two families of fatty acids. Our intakes of omega-6 fatty acids have gone up, to displace the saturated fats in our diet that were associated with heart disease, stroke and cancer. Unfortunately there has also been a corresponding decline in our intake of omega-3 fatty acids, mainly because in  the UK our main sources of these oils were from green leafy vegetables, diary produce and meat from cattle grazing on grass, and eggs produced from chicken which also fed on seeds and natural foods. The fall in popularity of green leafy vegetables, and changes in animal husbandry have resulted in a dramatic decline in our intakes of these omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) are important in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including both male and female infertility. The omega-6: omega-3 affects numerous male and female reproductive processes via a number of complex pathways involving prostaglandin synthesis, key enzyme expression involved in prostaglandin and steroid metabolism and cell membrane properties. While it is not at all important that anyone who is wanting to start a family understands all of these processes, it is important that I have got the point across that high quality omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important for all stages of reproduction including, female ovulation, male sperm count/motility and DNA, conception, embryo development, pregnancy outcome and child health.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Male Fertility

In males, the fatty acid composition of the sperm membrane is thought to be a strong influence of fertility and fertile men have been found to have much higher sperm levels of omega-3 FAs as compared to infertile men. Patients with higher omega-6 fatty acids concentrations and lower omega-3 fatty acids concentrations were found to have lower overall sperm counts, sperm motility and sperm morphology.

Sperm generate low levels of reactive species in order to stimulate key events, such as sperm capacitation which is an essential process prior to fertilisation.  However, sperm have a limited capacity to protect themselves from free radicals and oxygen species and if the number of these highly reactive molecules becomes elevated for any reason, this will result in a state of oxidative stress characterized by damage to the sperm membrane and DNA. Oxidative stress in male DNA is associated with poor fertilization rates, impaired embryonic development, high levels of abortion and increased morbidity in the offspring, including childhood cancer.

The omega-6 or the omega-3 fatty acids are the precursors for the naturally occurring chemicals produced in sperm to carry out those necessary events that lead to fertilisation. Reactive species that are derived from omega-3 fatty acids are considerably less potent (anti-inflammatory) than those from omega-6 fatty acids. An omega-3 fatty acid supplement will lead to an increase in the less potent/reactive  family of reactive species, and as a result sperm could be exposed to less oxidative damage thus protecting sperm health and motility, and limiting DNA damage. In males who currently have low omega-3 fatty acid profiles, omega-3 supplementation, is likely to support sperm motility and quality, limit damage to sperm DNA, and increase the likelihood of conception as well as support embryo development.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Female Fertility

In women, abnormal periods can be a result of an imbalance between ‘anti-inflammatory’, vasodilator eicosanoids derived from omega-3 FA and ‘pro-inflammatory’, vasoconstrictor eicosanoids derived from omega-6 FA. Increased intakes of omega-3 FA can reverse this condition by decreasing the amount of omega-6 FA in cell membranes. Similarly, omega-3 FA can facilitate pregnancy in women with infertility problems by increasing uterine bl

ood flow. Supplementation with omega-3 FA during pregnancy has been found to lower the risk of premature birth and increase the length of pregnancy and birth weight. Furthermore, intake of omega-3 FA during pregnancy and breast feeding may facilitate the child’s brain development and there is also some evidence that supplementation with omega-3 FA might help to prevent pre-eclampsia, post-natal depression, menopausal problems, post-menopausal osteoporosis, and breast cancer.

The fetal brain grows rapidly during the third trimester of pregnancy, a process which requires DHA, as does thedevelopment of the retina. A high quality omega-3 supplement, with a high concentration of DHA, is particularly important at this time.

It is important to appreciate that the quality of an omega-3 FA supplement is very important. It should have an appropriate antioxidant content, and dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels should be well below the established safe limit.

Juliet Wilson DHAPure Pregnancy for women, and DHAPure Conception for men are premium, pure and safe omega-3 supplements, with high concentrations of DHA, designed to provide you and your partners with peace of mind – all through fertility, conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 11th, 2004 at 2:03 PM and is filed under Fertility. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.