Benefits of fish oil for men
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Benefits of Fish Oil for Men
Cardiometabolic Health and Triglyceride Reduction
Fish oil, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been shown to significantly improve cardiometabolic health in men. Studies indicate that fish oil supplementation can lead to a substantial reduction in blood triglycerides, with reductions of around 30% observed in both young and older men . This triglyceride-lowering effect is also evident in nonfasting samples, where a 30% decline in plasma triglycerides was noted . Additionally, fish oil has been found to lower fasting plasma triacylglycerol by 51% and 19% in different dietary contexts .
Testosterone Levels and Metabolic Health
Supplementation with DHA-rich fish oil has been associated with increased testosterone levels in overweight and obese men. This increase in testosterone was positively correlated with changes in omega-3 PUFA levels and inversely correlated with omega-6 PUFA levels in erythrocyte membranes. The study also noted beneficial changes in fasting insulin and HOMA-IR, suggesting improved metabolic health .
Inflammation and Oxylipin Profile
Fish oil supplementation has been shown to improve inflammatory status by altering circulating eicosanoid concentrations. In young healthy men, fish oil reduced serum triglycerides and increased the proportion of HDL-c relative to total cholesterol. It also increased the concentrations of specific eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin-F2α and thromboxane-B2, which are linked to inflammation regulation . Both young and older men experienced improved oxylipin profiles, with reductions in 5-HETE and increases in PGF2α and 17-HDoHE .
Exercise Performance and Muscle Recovery
Fish oil supplementation can enhance exercise performance and recovery in men. It has been shown to improve exercise economy and reduce perceived exertion during submaximal steady-state exercise in healthy untrained men . Additionally, fish oil supplementation combined with strength training reduced muscle damage, inflammation, and redox imbalance induced by intense exercise, making it a beneficial strategy for young men engaging in strength-training programs .
Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Risk
High doses of fish oil have been found to reduce blood pressure in men with mild essential hypertension. A study reported a mean reduction of 6.5 mm Hg in systolic pressure and 4.4 mm Hg in diastolic pressure with high-dose fish oil supplementation . However, fish oil did not significantly affect other cardiovascular risk markers such as plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, and blood coagulation factors in healthy men 26.
Liver Fat and Body Composition
Despite its many benefits, fish oil supplementation did not significantly reduce liver fat or improve body composition in overweight men. A study found no significant changes in liver fat, liver enzymes, or visceral adipose tissue after 12 weeks of fish oil supplementation . Similarly, fish oil did not improve markers of endothelial function and inflammation in moderately obese men, although it did reduce postprandial triglycerides .
Conclusion
Fish oil supplementation offers several health benefits for men, including improved cardiometabolic health, increased testosterone levels, enhanced exercise performance, and reduced blood pressure. However, its effects on liver fat and overall body composition may be limited. These findings highlight the importance of fish oil as a valuable dietary supplement for men, particularly for those looking to improve their cardiovascular and metabolic health.
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