Role of fatty acids and calcium in male reproduction

Abstract Both fatty acids (FAs) and calcium ions play important roles in contraceptive cycles via several systems. Polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) act as precursors for prostaglandin production and can alter the expression of numerous crucial catalysts that are involved in prostaglandin and steroid digestion. Lipids are essential components of cell membranes. A diet rich in PUFAs enhances sperm motility and viability. It also improves testis development and spermatogenesis in several domesticated animal species. Increased PUFA content in spermatozoa increases plasma membrane fluidity, which is important for fertilization. However, the major drawback of high dietary PUFA intake is that it increases the levels of reactive oxygen species in the body. An increase in reactive oxygen species levels markedly affects fertility. Calcium is an important component that acts as an intra-cellular secondary messenger and plays an important role in some of the physiological processes that occur in male gametes. Some of these processes include spermatogenesis, sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome response, and fusion of gametes. These processes are associated with calcium influx through ion protein channels. Dietary fat intake is associated with increased intestinal calcium absorption. In this review, we discuss the impact of lipids, particularly PUFAs and monounsaturated FAs, and calcium ions on male reproduction, along with their effects on each other.