(30-12-05) Combined effects of omega-3 supplementation and regular exercise on body composition and cardiovascular risk factors.

Hill AM, Buckley JD, Murphy KJ, Saint DA, Morris AM, Howe PR.

Nutritional Physiology Research Centre, University of South Australia and University of Adelaide, SA 5005.

Background - Regular exercise and inclusion of n3 fatty acids in the diet can improve cardiovascular (CV) health. Objectives - We examined whether the combination of both could reduce CV and metabolic risk factors more than either treatment alone. Design - Volunteers with metabolic syndrome characteristics (mean BMI=34 kg/m(2); TG=1.82 mM) were randomly assigned to take 6 g/day of HiDHA(R) tuna fish oil or sunflower oil (provided in blinded capsules by NuMega Ingredients) and to undertake regular exercise (walking for 45 min, 3 days/wk at 75% of age-predicted maximal heart rate) or remain relatively sedentary. Fasting plasma lipids, blood pressure and measures of arterial function and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) during exercise were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of intervention. Body composition was assessed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry at baseline and 12 weeks only. Outcomes - Fish oil supplementation lowered plasma triglycerides, increased HDL cholesterol and tended to improve endothelium dependent vasodilation (P =0.06), while exercise independently improved arterial compliance (P <0.01). The combined treatment, however, caused a 5% loss of body fat (P < 0.05) - a benefit not seen with either treatment alone. The loss of fat correlated with increased fat oxidation (RER) during exercise (P < 0.01). Conclusion - Fish oil and exercise appear to have a synergistic effect on body fat, indicating that omega-3 supplementation may be a useful adjunct to exercise programs aimed at improving body composition and CV risk.


Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2005;14 Suppl:S57.

PMID: 16326520 [PubMed - in process]

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