Rehabilitation effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on exercise-induced muscle damage: a mini-review

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are vital components of life activities, and the human body is incapable of synthesizing them; therefore, they must be obtained from the diet. Recent research indicates that these substances can influence not only the metabolic reaction to exercise and skeletal muscle function, but also the functional performance of exercise training. A growing body of research has indicated that it can facilitate the recovery process of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD); however, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In addition, the potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have the capacity to engender health benefits and performance enhancement, particularly among individuals who partake in physical activities. This paper summarizes the effect of omega-3 PUFAs on EIMD and analyses the potential mechanism of omega-3 PUFAs in EIMD repair.