Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Running Economy: A Pilot Investigation

Karlee Picard

Abstract

PURPOSE: Research has demonstrated an ergogenic benefit from Ω-3 fatty acid supplementation. The present investigation was designed to further investigate the role Ω-3 ingestion plays in aerobic performance, specifically running economy (RE). METHODS: Twelve subjects (5 M; 7 F) were matched for weekly running mileage and divided into supplement (SUPP) and placebo (CON) groups. Subjects ran on a Woodway treadmill at 2.7 meters/second (6.0 miles per hour) for 2 minutes to determine preferred stride frequency. After a 5 minute rest, subjects again ran at 2.7 m/s for 8 minutes while their oxygen utilization (VO2) and energy expenditure (EE) were monitored via indirect calorimetry in order to determine RE. Only the last four minutes of the test were used for data analysis to ensure steady-state conditions were present. Following the RE test for a three week duration, the SUPP group ingested 2.0 grams/day of Ω-3 fatty acids while the CON group ingested 2.0 grams/day of olive oil. Subjects then returned to the laboratory and performed an identical RE test as previously performed with the same stride frequency. A 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Two subjects ingested less than 90% of the prescribed dosage and therefore were excluded from the analysis. There were no significant (p > 0.05) within or between-group differences for VO2 or EE. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation indicates that three weeks of Ω-3 fatty acid supplementation has no ergogenic effect as it relates to RE.

 
Apr 21st, 1:00 PM Apr 21st, 3:00 PM

Effect of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Running Economy: A Pilot Investigation

University Commons

PURPOSE: Research has demonstrated an ergogenic benefit from Ω-3 fatty acid supplementation. The present investigation was designed to further investigate the role Ω-3 ingestion plays in aerobic performance, specifically running economy (RE). METHODS: Twelve subjects (5 M; 7 F) were matched for weekly running mileage and divided into supplement (SUPP) and placebo (CON) groups. Subjects ran on a Woodway treadmill at 2.7 meters/second (6.0 miles per hour) for 2 minutes to determine preferred stride frequency. After a 5 minute rest, subjects again ran at 2.7 m/s for 8 minutes while their oxygen utilization (VO2) and energy expenditure (EE) were monitored via indirect calorimetry in order to determine RE. Only the last four minutes of the test were used for data analysis to ensure steady-state conditions were present. Following the RE test for a three week duration, the SUPP group ingested 2.0 grams/day of Ω-3 fatty acids while the CON group ingested 2.0 grams/day of olive oil. Subjects then returned to the laboratory and performed an identical RE test as previously performed with the same stride frequency. A 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Two subjects ingested less than 90% of the prescribed dosage and therefore were excluded from the analysis. There were no significant (p > 0.05) within or between-group differences for VO2 or EE. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation indicates that three weeks of Ω-3 fatty acid supplementation has no ergogenic effect as it relates to RE.