Omega-3 and Lung Function
A German and Iranian study, published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, found that supplementing with omega-3s can significantly improve lung function both during and after exercise. This 12-week study (comprising 40 non-smoking amateur male wrestlers with an average age of 18.6 and BMI 22.75) divided participants into four groups: an inactive group who received omega-3 supplements but participated in no training; a placebo group who participated in training and took a placebo supplement; a placebo group who did not participate in any training and who took a placebo supplement; and an experimental group who participated in training and took omega-3 supplements. The amount of omega-3 given to the two groups who did not receive the placebo was 1,000mg omega-3, of which 180mg was EPA. Results showed that those taking the omega-3 supplements whilst also training experienced significant improvements in lung capacity, lung volume and airflow.
These results will have important implications for both athletes and their trainers, and indeed any sports person who may wish to enhance their training and physical ability.
