Cited by 116Exercise and Physiological ResponsesFatty Acid Research and HealthMuscle metabolism and nutrition

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Physical Performance Optimization

Mickleborough, Timothy D.·2013·International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism

Abstract

Increased muscle oxidative stress and inflammatory responses among athletes have been reported consistently. In addition, it is well known that exhaustive or unaccustomed exercise can lead to muscle fatigue, delayed-onset muscle soreness, and a decrement in performance. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been shown to decrease the production of inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines, and reactive oxygen species; have immunomodulatory effects; and attenuate inflammatory diseases. While a number of studies have assessed the efficacy of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on red blood cell deformability, muscle damage, inflammation, and metabolism during exercise, only a few have evaluated the impact of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on exercise performance. It has been suggested that the ingestion of EPA and DHA of approximately 1–2 g/d, at a ratio of EPA to DHA of 2:1, may be beneficial in counteracting exercise-induced inflammation and for the overall athlete health. However, the human data are inconclusive as to whether omega-3 PUFA supplementation at this dosage is effective in attenuating the inflammatory and immunomodulatory response to exercise and improving exercise performance. Thus, attempts should be made to establish an optimal omega-3 fatty-acid dosage to maximize the risk-to-reward ratio of supplementation. It should be noted that high omega-3 PUFA consumption may lead to immunosuppression and prolong bleeding time. Future studies investigating the efficacy of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in exercise-trained individuals should consider using an exercise protocol of sufficient duration and intensity to produce a more robust oxidative and inflammatory response.

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Crossref · 10.1123/ijsnem.23.1.83

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  • An optimal dosage of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of approximately 1-2 g/d, at a ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to docosahexaenoic acid of 2:1 may decrease the production of inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines and ROS during exercise.

    “However, an optimal dosage of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of approximately 1–2 g/d, at a ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to docosahexaenoic acid of 2:1 may decrease the production of inflammatory eicosanoids, cytokines and ROS during exercise [147].”

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Authors
Mickleborough, T. D.
Affiliations
Indiana University Bloomington (US)
Corresponding author
Mickleborough, Timothy D.
Venue
International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism
Published
2013-02
Volume
23
Issue
1
Pages
83-96
ISSN
  • 1526-484X (ISSN-L)
  • 1543-2742
OpenAlex
W2154976118
Cited by
116
References
119
Citations by year
2026: 7 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 13 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 11 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 8 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 7 · 2016: 9 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 12 · 2013: 5
FWCI
10.31
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Rehabilitation › Exercise and Physiological Responses
  • Health Sciences › Nursing › Nutrition and Dietetics › Fatty Acid Research and Health
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Cell Biology › Muscle metabolism and nutrition
Keywords
omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, exercise performance, EPA, docosahexaenoic acid, exercise-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, muscle damage, delayed onset muscle soreness, immunomodulation, athletes
MeSH terms
Docosahexaenoic Acids, Humans, Inflammation, Sports, Eicosapentaenoic Acid, Exercise, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Dietary Supplements

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