A recent study investigated the potential of EPA-rich or DHA-rich Omega-3 supplements to modify physiological responses to submaximal exercise and evaluate their effects on exercise physiology and performance in endurance-trained males.
Study
The current double-blinded, block randomized parallel control trial assessed the differential impact of supplementation with EPA-rich fish oil, or DHA-rich algae oil, compared with a true placebo (coconut oil), on the omega-3 index, submaximal exercise responses, such as HR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and TT performance test. The EPA-rich oil contained 1.8 g of EPA and 1.2 g of DHA, while DHA-rich oil consisted of 2 g of DHA and 1 g of EPA.
The current study hypothesized that six weeks of supplementation would elevate the omega-3 index in DHA-rich algae and EPA-rich fish oil conditions, but not in the placebo condition.
A total of 69 endurance-trained male amateurs associated with swimming, cycling, rowing, running, and team sports were recruited. However, only 55 participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. All male participants were between 18 and 50, healthy, endurance-trained, and non-smokers. Participants who enrolled in another clinical trial, had a recent or recurring injury, regularly consumed more than two portions of oily fish a week, or took omega-3 supplements were excluded.
Participants were matched in groups of three depending on their sporting discipline, predicted V̇O2max, and body composition. For a proof-of-concept study, participants were given three g/day of either EPA-rich fish oil, DHA-rich algae oil, or coconut oil (placebo) for 41 days. Blood samples were collected before and after the supplementation period.
Results
The current double-blinded, block randomized parallel control trial assessed the differential impact of supplementation with EPA-rich fish oil, or DHA-rich algae oil, compared with a true placebo (coconut oil), on the omega-3 index, submaximal exercise responses, such as HR, respiratory exchange ratio (RER), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and TT performance test. The EPA-rich oil contained 1.8 g of EPA and 1.2 g of DHA, while DHA-rich oil consisted of 2 g of DHA and 1 g of EPA.
The current study hypothesized that six weeks of supplementation would elevate the omega-3 index in DHA-rich algae and EPA-rich fish oil conditions, but not in the placebo condition.
A total of 69 endurance-trained male amateurs associated with swimming, cycling, rowing, running, and team sports were recruited. However, only 55 participants completed the study and were included in the final analysis. All male participants were between 18 and 50, healthy, endurance-trained, and non-smokers. Participants who enrolled in another clinical trial, had a recent or recurring injury, regularly consumed more than two portions of oily fish a week, or took omega-3 supplements were excluded.
Participants were matched in groups of three depending on their sporting discipline, predicted V̇O2max, and body composition. For a proof-of-concept study, participants were given three g/day of either EPA-rich fish oil, DHA-rich algae oil, or coconut oil (placebo) for 41 days. Blood samples were collected before and after the supplementation period.
Conclusion
The findings documented here demonstrate that for the omega-3 index to reach a physiologically meaningful level, a 6-week supplementation with either DHA-rich or EPA-rich omega-3 fatty acids is sufficient. Both EPA-rich and DHA-rich supplementation also lowered submaximal HR, suggesting improved cardiac efficiency, but these physiological changes did not translate into superior endurance performance compared to placebo.
Future studies should ideally include both male and female participants to ensure the findings are generalizable to all sexes.
Source:
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250828/Omega-3-supplements-lower-heart-rate-in-male-athletes.aspx