New Research: Seafood Affects Increased Sexual Activity and Accelerated Pregnancy

According to research conducted in the United States, couples who consume a lot of seafood are likely to have more sexual activity and get pregnant faster compared to others. Reuters reports that researchers examined the status of five hundred couples in Michigan and Texas and asked them to daily record their seafood consumption and sexual activity. They found that the likelihood of sexual intercourse between these couples increased by 39% on days when both had consumed seafood. At the end of this year-long study, it was revealed that 92% of couples who ate seafood more than twice a week became pregnant, while this figure was 79% among those who consumed less fish and seafood. Even considering the frequency of sexual intercourse between couples, the connection between seafood consumption and fertility was evident. Audrey Gaskins, the lead researcher and a nutrition scientist at Harvard University, stated, 'Although increased sexual activity is one behavioral indicator of the relationship between seafood consumption and higher fertility, it is not the only one.' She added, 'We believe that the observed relationship between seafood consumption and increased fertility may result from improved sperm quality, better menstrual cycle function, and improved embryo quality. Previous studies have also confirmed the benefits of consuming seafood (omega-3) and fatty acids.' Doctors generally recommend consuming two servings of fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna each week, as these are rich in various omega-3s and reduce the risk of heart failure and stroke; however, pregnant women or those wishing to become pregnant are advised not to eat fish more than three times a week to avoid exposure to mercury, which can negatively affect fetal development and is particularly high in shark, tuna, swordfish, and mackerel. Reuters adds that researchers initially asked couples how frequently they had consumed tuna, crab, and shellfish caught in local waters or other unknown areas over the past 12 months. Men who had consumed more seafood in the year prior to the study had more sexual activity than others, but no significant difference was observed among women. The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, showed that seafood consumption in the year before the study did not affect the couples' fertility likelihood. It was also found that seafood consumption was not related to factors such as income, education, exercise level, or individuals' weight. This research was not a controlled trial aimed at proving the effect of seafood on sexual activity and fertility. It was also unclear what type of fish individuals had consumed, which could increase the likelihood of mercury exposure. Tracy Woodruff, director of the Center for Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California, stated that not all fish are the same. She, who did not participate in the research, added, 'Many sardines and anchovies are good because they are very small and have low levels of contamination. Tuna is not very safe because its meat has higher mercury levels.'