<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, and the long-chain n-3 derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, have been extensively researched for their nutritive effects. Among their many purported benefits, n-3 acids have been implicated as positive mediators of cardiovascular health and body composition. It has therefore been speculated that supplementation may enhance the beneficial effects of physical activity, potentiating greater reductions in body fat and improvements in exercise performance. This paper has three objectives: first, to assess the theoretical basis for a synergistic ef-fect when n-3 supplementation is combined with exercise; second, to review the literature as to specific findings on the subject and third, to make relevant conclusions and recommendations for future research.</p></abstract>

Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, and the long-chain n-3 derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, have been extensively researched for their nutritive effects. Among their many purported benefits, n-3 acids have been implicated as positive mediators of cardiovascular health and body composition. It has therefore been speculated that supplementation may enhance the beneficial effects of physical activity, potentiating greater reductions in body fat and improvements in exercise performance. This paper has three objectives: first, to assess the theoretical basis for a synergistic ef-fect when n-3 supplementation is combined with exercise; second, to review the literature as to specific findings on the subject and third, to make relevant conclusions and recommendations for future research.

Omega-3 fatty acids and exercise: a review of their combined effects on body composition and physical performance

Lehman College, Department of Health Sciences, The City University of New York, Bronx, NY, USA

School of Physical Education and Sport, Department of Training Science, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey

Biomedical Human Kinetics

Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids, and the long-chain n-3 derivatives eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, have been extensively...

Omega-3 fatty acids and exercise: a review of their combined effects on body composition and physical performance

Published Online: Mar 10, 2011

Page range: 23 - 29

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10101-011-0007-4

Keywords
Omega-3 fatty acids, Body composition, Physical performance

This content is open access.

Omega-3 fatty acids and exercise: a review of their combined effects on body composition and physical performance

Published Online: Mar 10, 2011

Page range: 23 - 29

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10101-011-0007-4

KeywordsOmega-3 fatty acids, Body composition, Physical performance

This content is open access.

Keywords
Omega-3 fatty acids, Body composition, Physical performance