For over 25 years, UX Health has created products with DHA. From eggs to milk to shampoos to tooth powders. These everyday products provide an easy path to provide much needed DHA in the diet.
We are the pioneer in creating DHA enriched food products with Algae Based DHA. We were the first to put DHA in milk with Horizon Organic and the first to put DHA in eggs with Hidden Villa Ranch
Now UxHealth is promoting “DHA Everyday” to enhance men’s and women’s fertility. The sources of DHA are Land Based and do not require seafood biomass making it sustainable and
The consumption of omega-3 fatty acids—especially DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)—has several important links to global population health, which can indirectly influence population decline. Here’s how:
1. Fertility and Reproductive Health
- Omega-3s and fertility: Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in hormone regulation, ovulation, and sperm quality. Some studies suggest that higher omega-3 intake is associated with improved fertility in both men and women
- Maternal health: Adequate omega-3 intake during pregnancy supports maternal well-being and reduces the risk of complications like preterm birth, which can affect population growth.
2. Fetal and Child Development
- Brain development: DHA is critical for fetal brain and retinal development. Maternal omega-3 intake during pregnancy is linked to better cognitive outcomes in children
- Long-term cognitive health: Poor neurodevelopment due to omega-3 deficiency may contribute to learning disabilities, lower educational attainment, and reduced economic productivity—factors that can influence reproductive
choices and societal growth.
3. Mental Health and Depression
- Mood regulation: Omega-3s, particularly EPA, have anti-inflammatory effects and modulate neurotransmitter function. They are being studied as adjunctive treatments for depression, including postpartum and pediatric depression
- Population implications: Widespread mental health issues can reduce birth rates and increase mortality, especially in younger populations.
4. Aging and Mortality
- Cognitive decline: Omega-3s may help slow age-related cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia
. This can improve quality of life and reduce healthcare burdens in aging populations.
- Cardiovascular health: While evidence is mixed, omega-3s may modestly reduce the risk of heart disease, a leading cause of death globally
5. Environmental and Access Issues
- Fish as a source: Most dietary omega-3s come from marine sources. Overfishing and ocean degradation threaten this supply, especially in low-income regions.
- Inequity in access: Populations with limited access to omega-3-rich foods may face higher risks of developmental and health issues, potentially contributing to demographic shifts.
In summary, omega-3 fatty acids play a foundational role in reproductive health, early development, mental health, and aging—all of which influence population dynamics. While not a direct cause of population decline, insufficient omega-3 intake can exacerbate health challenges that contribute to lower birth rates and higher mortality.
As of 2025, many countries around the world are experiencing population decline due to a combination of low birth rates, aging populations, emigration, and in some cases, conflict or economic hardship.
Here are some notable examples:
Countries with the Fastest Population Decline (2025)
Countries with the Fastest Population Decline (2025)
Country
St Martin
Cook Islands
Marshall Islands
Greece
Northern Mariana Islands
Japan
Russia
China
Germany
Italy
South Korea
2024-25 Growth rate
-4.92%
-3.47%
-3.38%
-1.77%
-1.76%
-0.51%
-0.53%
-0.22%
-0.34%
-0.31%
-0.08%
key factors
Emigration, small population base
Emigration, limited economic opportunities
Climate migration, emigration to U.S.
Aging population, low fertility
Emigration, economic challenges
Very low birth rate, aging population
Low fertility, high mortality, emigration
Shrinking workforce, low birth rate
Aging population, low fertility
Low birth rate, aging population
Lowest fertility rate in the world
As of 2025, declining fertility rates are a global trend, especially in developed and rapidly developing countries. A fertility rate below 2.1 children per woman is considered below the replacement level, meaning the population will eventually decline without immigration.
Countries with the Lowest Fertility Rates (2025)
Country
South Korea
China
Singapore
Italy
Spain
Japan
Germany
Portugal
Greece
Russia
Fertility Rate (Children per Woman)
~0.72
~1.0
~1.0
~1.2
~1.2
~1.3
~1.4
~1.4
~1.4
~1.5
These countries are facing aging populations, shrinking workforces, and long-term demographic challenges
Countries with the Steepest Recent Declines (2024–2025)
According to recent data, the following countries saw the sharpest drop in births between the first half of 2024 and 2025
- Lithuania: -12.8%
- Latvia: -11.5%
- Slovakia: -11.5%
- Czechia: -10.9%
- Poland: -10.5%
These declines are often linked to economic uncertainty, emigration, and changing social norms.
Global Context
- The global average fertility rate is around 2.4, but this masks wide regional disparities.
- Sub-Saharan Africa still has high fertility rates (e.g., Chad: 6.03), while Europe and East Asia are well below replacement levels
Yes, there is a link between ocean health and fertility rates, though it’s indirect and mediated through environmental, nutritional, and socioeconomic pathways.
Here’s how the connection plays out:
Ocean Health as a Component of Environmental Quality
A 2023 study found that ecological footprint indicators, including fishing grounds, have a negative correlation with total fertility rates (TFR)
This suggests that environmental degradation—such as overfishing and marine ecosystem collapse—can contribute to lower fertility rates, especially in countries where people depend heavily on natural resources.
Nutritional Pathways: Omega-3s and Reproductive Health
Healthy oceans are the primary source of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA), which are essential for fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and fetal development.
Declining fish stocks and pollution reduce access to these nutrients, especially in low-income and coastal populations.
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in omega-3s, have been linked to reduced fertility, increased pregnancy complications, and poorer child health outcomes.
Psychological and Societal Impacts
Communities facing ocean-driven environmental degradation (e.g., sea-level rise, fisheries collapse) often experience economic stress, displacement, and mental health challenges.
These factors can lead to lower fertility intentions, especially among younger generations concerned about the future.
Broader Ecological Footprint Effects
The same study also found that carbon emissions and high HDI (Human Development Index) are associated with lower fertility rates
This suggests that as societies industrialize and environmental pressures increase, fertility tends to decline—partly due to lifestyle changes and partly due to ecological stress.
Heat stress and air pollution, which can reduce sperm quality and increase miscarriage risk.
In summary, ocean health is a critical but often overlooked factor in global fertility trends. It influences fertility both biologically (via nutrition and health) and socially (via economic and environmental stability).