Fish Oil for Healthy Aging: Potential Application to Master Athletes

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Nutritional Science
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Master athletes exhibit reduced physical function compared to younger athletes despite high training volumes.
• Long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) show potential for muscle anabolism and recovery in untrained individuals.
• Existing research on LC n-3 PUFA effects in athletes is inconsistent and potentially biased.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the ergogenic effects of LC n-3 PUFA supplementation on master athletes' exercise performance and recovery.
• To synthesize current evidence regarding LC n-3 PUFA intake and skeletal muscle adaptation in athletes of all ages.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review and critical appraisal of existing clinical literature on LC n-3 PUFA supplementation in athletes.
• Analysis of studies considering factors like placebo choice and participant health status.

Main Results:

• Current evidence does not support LC n-3 PUFA intake above 250-500 mg/day enhancing exercise performance or recovery in master athletes.
• Inconsistencies in findings are attributed to study quality, bias, and confounding factors.

Conclusions:

• LC n-3 PUFA supplementation beyond population recommendations is not currently indicated for improving exercise outcomes in master athletes.
• Future research should investigate optimal LC n-3 PUFA dosage, duration, and co-ingestion with other nutrients for exercise adaptation.