Published on May 10, 2019
Muscle stiffness, soreness, and loss of range of motion (ROM) are common negative effects of a new or strenuous exercise routine, which have shown to be reduced or prevented with fish oil supplements.
A new study by Tsuchiya et al., published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, set out to confirm previous findings that supplementation with omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, inhibited muscle damage. This study targeted muscle stiffness of the biceps, after six sets of ten eccentric contractions of the elbow flexors (using a weight while lengthening the biceps from an arm position of 90 degree bend at the elbow to straight down). Also tested were the hypotheses that EPA and DHA could prevent loss of muscle strength, decreased ROM, and the development of soreness, as well as increase upper arm circumference and decrease muscle echo intensity (an indicator of muscle quality).
How could omega-3s benefit your muscles?
It is known that EPA and DHA accumulate in the cell membranes (including those of muscle cells) – in fact, it is the measurement of EPA and DHA in the red blood cell membrane that gives us our Omega-3 Index level. Omega-3s are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the inflammatory response. The authors of this paper hypothesized that supplementing with fish oils might prevent muscle damage, and resulting soreness and stiffness, due to eccentric contractions, a specific type of repetitive muscle contraction, by protecting the muscle cell membranes.
How did the study work?
This study recruited 16 men who were randomly assigned to one of two groups of 8 – one group took daily placebo capsules for 8 weeks prior to the exercise experiment, and the other group took 2400 mg of daily fish oil capsules (with 600 mg EPA and 260 mg DHA) for 8 weeks prior to the exercise experiment.
On the day of the exercise experiment, baseline measurements were taken before exercise, and additional measurements were taken immediately after exercise, and 1, 2, and 5 days following.
What were the results of the study?
As expected, at the end of 8 weeks of supplementation, EPA and DHA levels rose significantly in the fish oil group, which resulted in higher levels compared to the placebo group.
In response to the exercise the placebo group experienced significantly decreased muscle strength immediately following exercise which remained decreased until 5 days after, while the EPA group decreased immediately but returned to baseline on day 5.
The placebo group also saw an immediate, significant decrease in ROM which remained lower than baseline through 5 days after, while ROM in the fish oil group decreased immediately but returned to baseline on day 2. The ROM in the fish oil group remained significantly higher than the placebo group immediately after exercise and through the 5th day after.
Muscle soreness was similar in both groups immediately after exercise but significantly higher in the placebo group compared to the fish oil group by day 5.
Significant increases in muscle echo intensity (reflecting swelling within the muscle) and muscle stiffness at different joint angles and different days were seen in the placebo group, while the fish oil group saw no significant increase at any angle or time point.
“In summary, EPA and DHA supplementation inhibited muscle stiffness. In addition, EPA and DHA supplementation for 8 weeks inhibited the loss of muscle strength, limitation in ROM, development of DOMS (muscle soreness), and increases in muscle swelling and echo intensity.”
How can you tell if you are getting enough omega-3s for your workout?
The Omega-3 Index test measures the amount of EPA and DHA in the red blood cell membranes, and is an excellent indication of omega-3 status. Make sure you know your Omega-3 Index levels, and see if you are in the target range for health, above 8%. Find out your level today! Log on to the shop (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your levels can be improved. Use coupon code SunMonth to receive 15% off plus free shipping during Sunshine Month only!
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
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How can I track my nutrient levels and my health outcomes?
To help you track your nutrient levels and health outcomes, GrassrootsHealth has created an online tracking system called myData-myAnswers. You can also track your supplemental and dietary nutrient intake to see how they impact your nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
