SECTION II - EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY AND SPORTS MEDICINE / RESEARCH PAPER
The Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Markers Following Downhill Running in Long-Distance Runners
 
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1
Department of Physiological and Medical Sciences, Institute of Sport Science, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
 
2
Institute of Healthy Living, The Jerzy Kukuczka Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, Katowice, Poland.
 
 
Submission date: 2022-12-28
 
 
Acceptance date: 2023-10-10
 
 
Online publication date: 2023-10-27
 
 
Corresponding author
Aleksandra Żebrowska   

Institute of Sport Sciences, Academy of Physical Education, Poland
 
 
Journal of Human Kinetics 2023;89:123–138
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Exercise-induced injury may intensify inflammatory response and reduce the cardiovascular protection mechanisms of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω 3 PUFA). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the erythrocyte content of fatty acids (ω 3 and ω 6), the levels of cardiac damage markers (CKMB, hsTnT, H - FABP), the concentration of inflammation mediators (IL-6, TNF α) in long distance runners supplemented with ω 3 PUFA. Twenty-four male long distance runners, who were randomly assigned to a placebo group (GrP) or a group supplemented (GrSuppl) with a daily dose of 3,000 mg of ω 3 PUFA for three weeks, participated in the study. Participants performed a downhill running exercise test. Blood samples were collected at rest and after the exercise protocol to analyse the levels of cardiac markers and inflammatory cytokines. The erythrocyte membrane content of EPA and DHA in the GrSuppl at the 3rd week of supplementation was significantly higher than at the baseline (p < 0.001). The erythrocyte membrane content of ω 3 PUFA in the GrSuppl was significantly higher at the completion of supplementation (p < 0.001). Supplementation with ω 3 PUFA improved blood lipid profiles and reduced the concentration of inflammation mediators measured after the eccentric exercise tests. The increased ω 3 PUFA content in the erythrocyte membrane and lower blood concentrations of cardiac damage markers and inflammation mediators in distance runners supplemented for three weeks with ω 3 PUFA suggest that the cardiovascular function has been improved.
 
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