Short-term omega-3 supplementation alters neuromuscular function and some performance measures in male athletes
E.J.H. Lewis Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 2014, 39(S1): S28,
The use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (omega-3s) to alter
post-exercise inflammation and to support training adaptations has
been examined. It is unknown if omega-3 supplementation can en-
hance neuromuscular function or exercise performance.
We tested the effect of short-term (21 days) of mammalian omega-3 supplemen-
tation (5000mg, 375mg EPA, 230mg DPA, 450 DHA) compared to olive
oil placebo (5000mg) on neuromuscular function and performance
measures in elite male athletes using a double-blinded randomized
placebo controlled design. At least 48 hours after familiarization, par-
ticipants reported back to the laboratory for Visit 1, including a resting
blood sample to measure plasma omega-3 concentration and com-
plete the testing protocol. The testing protocol included maximal
isometric voluntary force (MVC), vertical jumps, maximum push-ups,
maximum squats at 10 repetition maximum (RM) weight, a Wingate
test, 10km cycling time trial and post-testing MVC. All tests were re-
peated on Visit 2, after 21 days of supplementation. Changes in MVC
force and performance measures were compared from Visit 1 to
Visit 2 and analyzed using magnitude-based
inferences. Changes in omega-3 concentration were analyzed using ANOVA. From Visit 1 to
Visit 2, the omega-3 group showed a likely beneficial increase in quad-
riceps MVC force (mean ± SD) (4.2% ± 11.3%) compared to placebo. The
difference in 10RM squat repetitions was unclear between groups
(omega-3 20.6% ± 29.3%, placebo 25.6% ± 34.6%). The change in Wingate
fatigue index was possibly different (-12% ± 7.2%) compared to placebo.
The decrease in 10km cycling time trial time was likely beneficial
(-3% ± 5.7%) compared to placebo. Plasma omega-3 concentrations
were different from baseline compared to placebo, EPA (p=0.004), DPA
(p=0.087) and DHA (p=0.058). Our findings indicate short-term omega-3
supplementation may enhance neuromuscular function in trained ath-
letes and attenuate fatigue during sprint and time trial cycling