The effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage

BackgroundExercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) results in transient inflammation, strength loss, soreness and may cause subsequent exercise avoidance. Omega-3 (n-3) supplementation minimise EIMD via its anti-inflammatory properties, however, efficacy remains unclear.MethodsHealthy males (n = 14, 25.07 ± 4.05 years) were randomised to 3 g/day n-3 (N-3, n 7) or placebo (PLA, 7). Following 4 weeks supplementation, a downhill running protocol (60 min, 65% V?O2max, ? 10% gradient) was performed. Creatine kinase (CK), interleukin (IL)-6 tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-?, perceived soreness, maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) peak power quantified pre, post, 24, 48 72 h post-EIMD.ResultsMuscle significantly lower N-3 vs PLA group at 24 post-EIMD (p 0.034). IL-6 increased 0.009) but not 0.434) following EIMD, no significant differences noted between groups. Peak suppressed relative pre-EIMD post-EIMD. However, difference output observed MVIC, CK TNF-? altered by did differ groups.ConclusionN-3 for successfully attenuate minor aspects of EIMD. Whilst improving performance, these findings have relevance soreness-associated