Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Infertility

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have a growing body of scientific evidence supporting their role in supporting fertility, especially in both male and female reproductive health. In males, omega-3 fatty acids are crucial components of sperm membranes and have been associated with improved sperm count, motility, and morphology. Several clinical studies and reviews (e.g., Safarinejad et al., 2011; Gholinezhad-Chari et al., 2018) suggest that omega-3 supplementation may enhance semen parameters, particularly in men with suboptimal fertility.

In females, omega-3s play a role in modulating inflammation and hormonal regulation, both important for ovulation and embryo implantation. Observational studies have noted that higher dietary intake of omega-3s is linked to better ovarian reserve markers and improved outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Some research also indicates potential benefits in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, where inflammation and metabolic dysfunction contribute to infertility.

However, while the mechanistic rationale and early clinical evidence are promising, large-scale randomized controlled trials specifically targeting fertility outcomes remain limited. Thus, while there is scientific support for omega-3 supplementation in certain circumstances, the evidence is moderate rather than definitive at this point, meriting a rating of 3/5.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
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Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
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Alzheimer's Disease
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Apathy
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Anger (excessive)
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Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
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Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
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Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
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Thinking (cloudy)
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Triglycerides (high)
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Vaginal Dryness