Fit with good fat? The role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on exercise performance

Da Boit, M., Hunter, A. M. and Gray, S. M. (2017) Fit with good fat? The role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on exercise performance. Metabolism, 66, pp. 45-54. (doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2016.10.007)

Abstract

N-3 PUFA (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are a family of fatty acids mainly found in oily fish and fish oil supplements. The effects of n-3 PUFA on health are mainly derived from its anti-inflammatory proprieties and its influence on immune function. Lately an increased interest in n-3 PUFA supplementation has reached the world of sport nutrition, where the majority of athletes rely on nutrition strategies to improve their training and performance. A vast amount of attention is paid in increasing metabolic capacity, delaying the onset of fatigue, and improving muscle hypertrophy and neuromuscular function. Nutritional strategies are also frequently considered for enhancing recovery, improving immune function and decreasing oxidative stress. The current review of the literature shows that data regarding the effects of n-3PUFA supplementation are conflicting and we conclude that there is, therefore, not enough evidence supporting a beneficial role on the aforementioned aspects of exercise performance.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: BB/J015911/1 awarded to author whilst at Aberdeen
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gray, Professor Stuart
• Authors: Da Boit, M., Hunter, A. M., and Gray, S. M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Metabolism
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0026-0495
• ISSN (Online): 1532-8600
• Published Online: 26 October 2016
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2016 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Metabolism 2016
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License