Is there a relationship between seafood consumption and sexual function?

From the Guidelines

There is no established scientific evidence that seafood directly enhances sexual performance or libido. While some seafood like oysters contain zinc, which is important for reproductive health and testosterone production, eating seafood alone will not significantly impact sexual function 1. A balanced diet that includes seafood can support overall health, which indirectly benefits sexual wellness. Seafood provides omega-3 fatty acids that improve cardiovascular health and blood flow, potentially benefiting erectile function in men, as supported by a 2018 study published in Circulation 1. Certain seafoods also contain amino acids that may slightly increase sex hormone levels. However, sexual health depends on many factors including physical fitness, stress levels, sleep quality, and relationship dynamics. If experiencing sexual difficulties, it's better to consult a healthcare provider rather than relying on dietary changes alone. No specific seafood "prescription" exists for sexual enhancement, and claims about aphrodisiac properties of foods like oysters are largely based on folklore rather than scientific evidence.

Some studies have highlighted the importance of seafood consumption for overall health, including a reduced risk of coronary heart disease and neurological benefits 1. However, these benefits do not directly translate to enhanced sexual performance. It's essential to consider the potential risks associated with seafood consumption, such as exposure to contaminants like arsenic, as discussed in a 2017 study published in Science of the Total Environment 1. Nevertheless, the benefits of moderate seafood consumption, as part of a balanced diet, are well-established, and can contribute to overall well-being, including sexual health.

Key points to consider:

• Seafood is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support cardiovascular health and may benefit erectile function
• A balanced diet that includes seafood can support overall health and indirectly benefit sexual wellness
• Sexual health depends on multiple factors, including physical fitness, stress levels, sleep quality, and relationship dynamics
• No specific seafood "prescription" exists for sexual enhancement, and claims about aphrodisiac properties are largely anecdotal
• Moderate seafood consumption, as part of a balanced diet, can contribute to overall well-being, including sexual health, while minimizing potential risks associated with contaminants like arsenic 1.

From the Research

Relationship Between Seafood and Sexual Health

• There is evidence to suggest that seafood intake is positively related to markers of fecundity in both men and women 2.
• A study found that couples who consumed eight or more seafood servings per cycle had 47% and 60% greater fecundity than couples who consumed one or fewer seafood servings per cycle 2.
• The same study also found that male and female partners with the highest seafood intake had 22% greater sexual intercourse frequency 2.

Erectile Dysfunction and Treatment

• Sildenafil has been shown to be an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, with a success rate of 82% in patients with an organic underlying disease 3.
• Vardenafil and tadalafil have also been found to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction, with efficacy data comparable to sildenafil 3.
• Regular use of sildenafil has been found to have a therapeutic effect similar to that of tadalafil, but better than that of sildenafil on-demand 4.

Dietary Patterns and Female Sexual Health

• Metabolic syndrome and obesity have been found to negatively affect sexual function in women, with endothelial dysfunction leading to poor blood flow to genitourinary organs 5.
• The Mediterranean diet has been found to help alleviate sexual dysfunction in women, but more research is needed to confirm this finding 5.
• Incorporating healthy dietary patterns into everyday life may positively influence female sexuality, but more substantial data are needed to support this idea 5.

Cardiovascular Health and Erectile Function

• Erectile dysfunction has been linked to cardiovascular health, with lifestyle and nutrition playing a central role in influencing vascular nitric oxide production and erectile function 6.
• Better lifestyle choices, such as physical exercise and improved nutrition, can improve vascular and erectile function, and response to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors 6.