Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and Inflammatory Response among Athletes and Non-Athletes

Abstract

Background: Nutrition plays an important role in fuelling an athlete for any sports event. The right nutrition helps in better performance and better recovery of an athlete. Nutraceutical, Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to have a potential contribution to their performance output, recovery and health/injury risk. Objective: The study aims to understand Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and review the required dose and duration of the intervention sufficient to confer any potential health benefit. Methodology: The review was carried out using data from Google Scholar, PubMed databases. Studies were selected based on Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation to improve muscle functioning and inflammation. While those studies based on animal models, pregnant women or review articles were excluded from this review. Studies among athletes and non-athletes were selected and categorised. Results: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation among the athletes has provided substantial evidence of their health benefits in peripheral neuromuscular conditions, anaerobic endurance, muscle soreness and reduced inflammation. It also hinted at the possible beneficial role of Omega-3 fatty acid in supplementation along with other sports beverages to help in muscle health. Among non-athletes, it was observed that Omega-3 fatty acids help decrease the levels of inflammatory markers among non-athletes also and it helps to improve muscle soreness after intense physical activity. Besides, it also helps in preventing muscle disuse atrophy which could help injured individuals. Conclusion: The dose range of 1.1 g to 7 g for 2 weeks to 4 months can help individuals, whether athlete or non-athlete, to show its effect in them.