JSM: Polyunsaturated fatty acids help prevent impotence

Taking dietary supplements containing seven types of polyunsaturated fatty acids helps reduce the risk of developing impotence. This conclusion was reached by scientists from Wenzhou University Hospital (China). The results of the study were published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine (JSM).

Interest in how nutrition affects men's health is growing every year. Previously, the focus was on vitamins and minerals, but now polyunsaturated fatty acids — substances found in fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils — are among the key candidates. Researchers believe that these substances can play a significant role in maintaining male fertility and sexual function. 

To test this hypothesis, scientists analyzed data from the large-scale US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) covering the early 2000s. The sample included more than 3,700 men over the age of 20. Participants were asked about their diet and their ability to maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Based on this data, the scientists compared groups of men with and without erectile dysfunction, taking into account a range of factors, from age and income level to the presence of diabetes and habits such as smoking or alcohol consumption. 

It turned out that taking supplements with seven different fatty acids was associated with a lower likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction. At the same time, the effect did not depend on whether the man was overweight, had hypertension, or diabetes.

It should be noted that linoleic, alpha-linolenic, stearidonic, arachidonic, eicosapentaenoic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acids are among the beneficial acids. They are naturally found in olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, liver, and eggs.