Combining fish-oil supplements with regular aerobic exercise improves body composition and cardiovascular disease risk factors

Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 May;85(5):1267-74. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/85.5.1267.

Abstract

Background: Regular exercise and consuming long-chain n-3 fatty acids (FAs) from fish or fish oil can independently improve cardiovascular and metabolic health, but combining these lifestyle modifications may be more effective than either treatment alone.

Objective: We examined the individual and combined effects of n-3 FA supplements and regular exercise on body composition and cardiovascular health.

Design: Overweight volunteers [body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)): >25] with high blood pressure, cholesterol, or triacylglycerols were randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: fish oil (FO), FO and exercise (FOX), sunflower oil (SO; control), or SO and exercise (SOX). Subjects consumed 6 g tuna FO/d ( approximately 1.9 g n-3 FA) or 6 g SO/d. The exercise groups walked 3 d/wk for 45 min at 75% age-predicted maximal heart rate. Plasma lipids, blood pressure, and arterial function were assessed at 0, 6, and 12 wk. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 0 and 12 wk only.

Results: FO supplementation lowered triacylglycerols, increased HDL cholesterol, and improved endothelium-dependent arterial vasodilation (P<0.05). Exercise improved arterial compliance (P<0.05). Both fish oil and exercise independently reduced body fat (P<0.05).

Conclusions: FO supplements and regular exercise both reduce body fat and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. Increasing intake of n-3 FAs could be a useful adjunct to exercise programs aimed at improving body composition and decreasing cardiovascular disease risk.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adipose Tissue / drug effects
  • Adipose Tissue / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blood Pressure / drug effects
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Body Composition / drug effects*
  • Body Composition / physiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Endothelium, Vascular / drug effects
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects*
  • Lipid Metabolism / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Oils / administration & dosage
  • Risk Factors
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • Vasodilation / drug effects
  • Vasodilation / physiology
  • Weight Loss / drug effects
  • Weight Loss / physiology

Substances

  • Fish Oils
  • Plant Oils
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Triglycerides