Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on the Blood Levels of Oxidative Stress, Muscle Damage and Inflammation Markers after Acute Resistance Exercise in Young Athletes

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the levels of oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammatory markers after acute resistance exercise in young athletes. In a randomized double-blind design, twenty subjects were divided into two equal groups; each subject receiving three capsules per day (3000 mg) of either omega-3 or a placebo for seven days. All subjects underwent high intensity acute resistance exercise. Venous blood samples were collected one week prior to the exercise, immediately pre-exercise, and 24 hours post exercise. Malondiadehyde (MDA), plasma total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), C-reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured in the serum. MDA, CRP and CK concentrations were significantly higher 24 hours post exercise in the placebo versus the omega-3 group (p=.005). The mean of total antioxidant capacity in both groups showed no significant differences immediately pre-exercise and 24 hours post exercise (p>.005). LDH activity was significantly higher 24 hours post exercise in both groups (p=<.05). The results of this study indicate that high intensity resistance exercise induces oxidative stress, systemic inflammation, and cellular damage indices in athletes. However, seven days of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may ameliorate these effects.