The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Markers Following Downhill Running in Long-Distance Runners

Abstract

Exercise-induced injury may intensify inflammatory response and reduce the cardiovascular protection mechanisms of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω 3 PUFA). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the erythrocyte content of fatty acids (ω 3 and ω 6), the levels of cardiac damage markers (CKMB, hsTnT, H - FABP), the concentration of inflammation mediators (IL-6, TNF α) in long distance runners supplemented with ω 3 PUFA. Twenty-four male long distance runners, who were randomly assigned to a placebo group (GrP) or a group supplemented (GrSuppl) with a daily dose of 3,000 mg of ω 3 PUFA for three weeks, participated in the study. Participants performed a downhill running exercise test. Blood samples were collected at rest and after the exercise protocol to analyse the levels of cardiac markers and inflammatory cytokines. The erythrocyte membrane content of EPA and DHA in the GrSuppl at the 3rd week of supplementation was significantly higher than at the baseline (p < 0.001). The erythrocyte membrane content of ω 3 PUFA in the GrSuppl was significantly higher at the completion of supplementation (p < 0.001). Supplementation with ω 3 PUFA improved blood lipid profiles and reduced the concentration of inflammation mediators measured after the eccentric exercise tests. The increased ω 3 PUFA content in the erythrocyte membrane and lower blood concentrations of cardiac damage markers and inflammation mediators in distance runners supplemented for three weeks with ω 3 PUFA suggest that the cardiovascular function has been improved.

Omega-3 Index as a Sport Biomarker: Implications for Cardiovascular Health, Injury Prevention, and Athletic Performance

“…Recreational marathon runners supplemented with ω-3 PUFA for 3 weeks have been shown to experience positive changes in the RBC lipid composition, serum adipocytokines, and post-exercise proinflammatory cytokine levels, further supporting the cardio-protective benefits of increased O3I levels and the reduced AA/EPA ratio [ 46 ]. Similarly, distance runners supplemented for three weeks with ω-3 PUFA showed increased ω-3 PUFA content in the RBC membrane and lower blood concentrations of cardiac damage markers and inflammation mediators, suggesting an improvement in cardiovascular function [ 47 ]. Additionally, 3 weeks of supplementation with ω-3 PUFA in recreational runners have also shown promising results in significantly improving O3I (<8%) and reducing the AA/EPA ratio and, consequently, cardiovascular risk.…”

Erythrocyte Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profile in High-Level Endurance Runners

“…FAs are essential components of erythrocyte membranes, and it is known that the composition of FAs ingested in the diet is related to those stored in the membrane [6]. Changes in the composition of erythrocyte membrane FAs can modify their properties and function [7]. It has been reported that dietary FA intake is reflected in plasma within days but takes months to be incorporated into erythrocytes [8].…”