Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Dietary Supplementation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: November 29, 2013
Dietary fatty acids affect semen quality: a review
V Esmaeili1, A H Shahverdi1, M H Moghadasian2
1Department of Embryology at Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Sperm fatty acid profiles, particularly omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), are vital for male fertility. Dietary omega-3 PUFA intake significantly impacts sperm quality and quantity, with supplementation showing benefits over time.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Mammalian spermatozoa contain high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), essential for fertilization.
- Sperm fatty acid profiles are investigated by comparing fertile and infertile men and assessing dietary impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the analysis of sperm fatty acid profiles.
- To examine the effects of omega-3, saturated, and trans fatty acids on sperm parameters.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of sperm fatty acid profiles.
- Review of studies on dietary fatty acid intake and sperm quality.
Main Results:
- Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and palmitic acid are predominant PUFA and saturated fatty acids in human sperm.
- Sperm fatty acid profiles are most sensitive to dietary omega-3 PUFA.
- Elevated saturated/trans fatty acids and low DHA are detrimental to sperm health.
Conclusions:
- Dietary omega-3 PUFA supplementation can improve sperm parameters, with effects observed after 4 weeks.
- Time and dose dependency may explain varied responses to supplementation.
- Omega-3 PUFA inclusion influences sperm melting point, PPARG expression, and other key functions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Sperm Structure and Semen Composition
Lipids: Dietary Sources and Requirements
Infertility in Males
Overview of Fatty Acid Metabolism
Fatty acids are catabolized in a process called beta-oxidation, which takes place in the matrix of the mitochondria and converts their fatty acid chains into two-carbon units of acetyl groups. The acetyl...
Spermatogenesis
Structure of Lipids

