Re-esterified DHA improves ventilatory threshold 2 in competitive amateur cyclists

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Previous studies on fish oil as an ergogenic aid yielded mixed results due to supplement variability.
• Standardized supplements are needed to confirm the benefits of specific fatty acids like DHA.
• This study aimed to isolate the effects of DHA on cycling performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a DHA-rich supplement on maximal cycling performance in amateur cyclists.
• To determine if DHA supplementation enhances aerobic metabolism and lactate clearance.
• To assess the effect of DHA on heart rate recovery post-exercise.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial with 38 male amateur cyclists.
• Supplementation involved 975 mg of re-esterified DHA for 30 days.
• Performance was assessed using a ramp cycling test to exhaustion, measuring power output, oxygen consumption, and heart rate recovery.

Main Results:

• Mean power output at ventilatory threshold 2 (VT2) significantly increased post-DHA supplementation.
• Oxygen consumption at VT2 showed significant improvements in both absolute and relative terms.
• Heart rate recovery rate was notably enhanced in the DHA group compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

• Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation can improve mean power output at the anaerobic ventilatory threshold in amateur cyclists.
• The specific DHA supplement blend may contribute to the observed performance enhancements.
• Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore other influencing factors.