Eicosapentaenoic Acid-Rich Fish Oil Supplementation Inhibits the Decrease in Concentric Work Output and Muscle...

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Muscle Biology

Background:

• Muscle performance can be compromised by strenuous exercise, leading to fatigue and reduced range of motion.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supplementation with EPA and DHA may offer protective effects against exercise-induced muscle damage and performance decrements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of 8-week EPA and DHA supplementation on peripheral muscle performance during concentric contractions (CONs) of elbow flexors.
• To determine if EPA and DHA supplementation can attenuate exercise-induced reductions in work output and range of motion.
• To assess the impact of EPA and DHA on markers of muscle damage and fatigue.

Main Methods:

• Sixteen healthy men were randomized into an EPA and DHA supplement group (n=8) or a placebo group (n=8) for 8 weeks.
• The EPA group received a daily dose of 600 mg EPA and 260 mg DHA.
• Participants performed sets of maximal concentric contractions of elbow flexors, with various performance and physiological markers assessed pre- and post-exercise.

Main Results:

• The EPA group exhibited significantly greater work output during the fifth set of contractions compared to the placebo group (94.0% vs. 82.5%).
• Range of motion (ROM) was significantly better preserved in the EPA group immediately after exercise.
• The increase in cross-sectional area (CSA), indicative of swelling, was significantly smaller in the EPA group post-exercise.

Conclusions:

• Eight-week supplementation with EPA and DHA can attenuate the reduction in muscle work output caused by repeated concentric contractions.
• EPA and DHA supplementation helps inhibit the post-exercise reduction in range of motion and increase in muscle cross-sectional area.
• These findings suggest that omega-3 fatty acids play a beneficial role in muscle recovery and performance maintenance following strenuous exercise.