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Fish oil supplementation augments post-exercise immune function in young males
Patrick Gray1, Brendan Gabriel, Frank Thies
1Institute of Medical Sciences, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|August 21, 2012
Summary
Fish oil supplementation enhanced immune recovery after exercise. It boosted peripheral blood mononuclear cell IL-2 production and natural killer cell activity post-exercise, aiding recovery.
Area of Science:
- Exercise immunology
- Nutritional immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Fish oils possess anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for cardiovascular health.
- Exercise impacts immune function, but the role of fish oil in this response is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of fish oil supplementation on immune response following acute endurance exercise.
- To determine if fish oil alters immune markers during exercise recovery.
Main Methods:
- Six-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with fish oil or placebo.
- Participants completed maximal exercise tests and 1-hour endurance cycling at 70% VO2peak.
- Blood samples analyzed for cytokines (IL-6, IL-2, IL-4, IFN-γ), fatty acids (EPA, DHA), cortisol, neutrophil function, and NK cell activity.
Main Results:
- Fish oil increased plasma EPA concentrations post-supplementation.
- At 3 hours post-exercise, fish oil group showed higher PBMC IL-2 production and NK cell activity.
- No significant effects of fish oil on PBMC IL-4, IFN-γ, plasma IL-6, cortisol, or neutrophil activity.
Conclusions:
- Fish oil supplementation appears to modulate immune recovery post-exercise.
- Specifically, it enhances IL-2 production and NK cell activity during the recovery phase.
- Further research is needed to understand the full implications for immune function and health.
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