The effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage

Abstract

Background Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results in transient muscle inflammation, strength loss, muscle soreness and may cause subsequent exercise avoidance. Omega-3 (n-3) supplementation may minimise EIMD via its anti-inflammatory properties, however, its efficacy remains unclear. Methods Healthy males (n = 14, 25.07 ± 4.05 years) were randomised to 3 g/day n-3 supplementation (N-3, n = 7) or placebo (PLA, n = 7). Following 4 weeks supplementation, a downhill running protocol (60 min, 65% V̇O2max, − 10% gradient) was performed. Creatine kinase (CK), interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, perceived muscle soreness, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and peak power were quantified pre, post, and 24, 48 and 72 h post-EIMD. Results Muscle soreness was significantly lower in N-3 vs PLA group at 24 h post-EIMD (p = 0.034). IL-6 was increased in PLA (p = 0.009) but not in N-3 (p = 0.434) following EIMD, however, no significant differences were noted between groups. Peak power was significantly suppressed in PLA relative to pre-EIMD but not in N-3 group at 24 h post-EIMD. However, no significant difference in peak power output was observed between groups. MVIC, CK and TNF-α were altered by EIMD but did not differ between groups. Conclusion N-3 supplementation for 4 weeks may successfully attenuate minor aspects of EIMD. Whilst not improving performance, these findings may have relevance to soreness-associated exercise avoidance.

Effect of omega‐3 fatty acids supplementation on indirect blood markers of exercise‐induced muscle damage: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Omega 3 fatty acids have anti‐inflammatory features for clinical situations such as asthma, arthritis, and Crohn's disease (Wall et al., 2010 ). In this regard, few papers have evaluated the anti‐inflammatory features of this nutrient in exercise, especially those performing anaerobic and aerobic exercise (Dalle et al., 2021 ; Kyriakidou et al., 2021 ). Despite the contradictions, most of these studies suggested omega 3 consumption attenuate the magnitude of the serum muscle enzymes response to damaging exercise, lower inflammatory response, and less myofibrillar disturbance (Mickleborough et al., 2015 ; Tartibian et al., 2011 ; Tsuchiya et al., 2016 ).…”

International society of sports nutrition position stand: tactical athlete nutrition

“…Omega-3 supplementation, as a part of a protein-based drink, attenuated lower-body muscle soreness and fatigue and improved neuromuscular performance. Since recent studies have continued to report similar results such as blunted vertical jump height decrements [ 177 ], reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness [ 177 , 178 ], and greater range of motion [ 179 ], it is clear that n-3 fatty acids may positively influence muscle recovery following rigorous training environments.…”

Nutritional Considerations for Injury Prevention and Recovery in Combat Sports

“…Of the limited studies, Smith et al [ 81 ] reported increased anabolic responses to insulin and amino acids following 8 weeks of omega-3 intake in healthy young and middle-aged individuals. In physically active individuals, the consumption of 3900 mg fish oil (containing 3 g n-3) for 4 weeks decreased muscle damage [ 82 ]. Although fish oil consumption is promising in reducing muscle loss due to muscle injuries, more studies involving human participants are needed.…”