Effect of fish oil supplementation and exercise on serum lipids and aerobic fitness.
The effects of fish oil supplementation and exercise were investigated in healthy, previously sedentary males, ages 19-34. Thirty-two subjects were assigned to four groups: control (C), fish (F), exercise (E), fish and exercise (FE). The fish groups consumed 4 g.d-1 of omega-3 fatty acids. The exercise groups performed aerobic exercise for one hour three per week. The study was conducted for 10 weeks with pre and post values obtained for cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT), percent body fat, and dietary composition of macronutrients and polyunsaturated to saturated fat (P:S) ratio. No significant differences were noted between groups for any of the blood lipid values, percent body fat or dietary variables. VO2max and VAT did exhibit significant changes among groups. VO2max was greater for the exercise groups (E, FE) as compared to the control group (p less than 0.05). E, but not FE, was significantly greater than F. VAT was significantly greater in F, E, and FE as compared to controls, however the control's VAT decreased slightly. The slight improvement, although statistically non-significant, in VO2max and VAT by the F group requires further study. This data indicates an improvement in aerobic metabolism from aerobic exercise, alone or in combination with fish oil, compared to controls.
Brilla
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Exercise and Sport Science Laboratory, Western Washington University, Bellingham.
Landerholm
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TE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004032:Diet; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology*
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils; D008055:Lipids