Abstract
Abstract
Previous studies consistently showed a key role for omega-3 fatty acids in decreasing fat mass (FM) in animal models. Also, increased omega-3 stimulates fat loss in individuals who experience obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. However, it is not known whether omega-3 supplementation make similar effects in healthy individuals with low FM. This study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 on changes in body composition, food intake, and lipid profile in healthy athletes.
In this double-blind placebo-controlled RCT, 36 healthy athletes were allocated into omega-3 or placebo groups. Physical activity (global physical activity questionnaire), dietary intake (24-h food recall), anthropometric status, and lipid profile were measured at baseline and after 3-weeks.
35 volunteers completed the trial. The weight did not significantly change at the end of the study. Body fat% decreased significantly at the end of the study in the omega-3 group (p=0.003), but intergroup differences were not significant (p=0.77). FM decreased and fat free mass (FFM) increased in omega-3 groups (p<0.05). HDL-C increased (omega-3 group p=0.001; placebo group p=0.01; after adjustment for baseline values p=0.78). Also, in the omega-3 group, energy intake (p=0.0007) and protein intake (p=0.04) increased after intervention, but after baseline adjustments they were not significant.
In conclusion, 3-week omega-3 supplementation seems to be not effective in decreased FM, increased HDL-C, and energy and protein intakes in athletes. Further studies are recommended to determine the effect of different doses of omega-3 on adipose tissue and blood lipids in athletes with low FM.
Clinical Trial Registration The present study was prospectively registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Studies on December 19, 2019 (ID: 20190625044008N1).