The Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Body Composition and Strength in a Young, Athletic Population

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Jeffery L. Heileson
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA

Mitchell C. Cholewinski
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA

Kathleen E. Adair
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA

Ashlyne Vineyard
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA

Andrew Gallucci
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA

LesLee K. Funderburk
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA

Keywords

omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, lean body mass, athletes

Abstract




Introduction: To investigate the effects of fish oil (FO) supplementation on body composition and strength in young, athletic individuals.
Methods: Six, division I athletes/competitive cheerleaders (age 20.2 [1.8], height 169.4 [9.8] cm, weight 71.0 [13.7] kg) were enrolled and completed the study. The participants were divided into two groups: 1) 3.2g/d FO or 2) 3g/d safflower oil (placebo [PL]). Body composition (body mass, lean body mass [LBM], and fat mass [FM]) via dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and upper-body strength via hand grip dynamometer was assessed at baseline and after 4-weeks. Participants provided three-day food records before and after the supplementation period. Dependent sample t-tests were used to determine within group differences. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine group by time interactions. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: FO supplementation increased LBM by 1.36kg (Pre: 52.49kg, Post: 53.85kg) whereas the PL group lost 0.9kg LBM (Pre: 53.42kg, Post: 52.50kg) (p=0.035). Upper- body strength increased in the FO group by 0.98kg (Pre: 39.43kg, Post: 40.41kg) and decreased in the PL group by 2.02kg (Pre: 35.03kg, Post: 33.01kg) (p =0.131). Conclusions: Four-weeks of FO supplementation (3.2g/d) improved body composition but did not significantly improve strength in a young athletic population. Future trials need to be conducted to replicate our findings before definitive conclusions can be reached.




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References

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Jul 11, 2020

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The Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Body Composition and Strength in a Young, Athletic Population. (2020). Journal of Exercise and Nutrition, 3(3). https://www.journalofexerciseandnutrition.com/index.php/JEN/article/view/64
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Vol. 3 No. 3 (2020)
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The Effect of Fish Oil Supplementation on Body Composition and Strength in a Young, Athletic Population. (2020). Journal of Exercise and Nutrition, 3(3). https://www.journalofexerciseandnutrition.com/index.php/JEN/article/view/64

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