TUEBINGEN, GermanyOmega-3s benefits to the heart and lungs may mean added benefits to athletic performance, according to a new study out of the University of Tuebingen, Germany (J Sci Med Sport. 2010;13(2):281-86. DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.12.634). Researchers examined the impact of omega-3 supplementation on the pulmonary function of young wrestlers (n=40) during intense training. Participants were randomly divided into experimental, placebo, active control and inactive control groups; the three active groups performed wrestling incremental training up to 95 percent of exercise maximum heart rate (MHR) three times a week for 12 weeks. Subjects in the experimental group also consumed 1,000 mg/d of omega-3s over the 12-week study.

Results indicated consuming omega-3s during training had a significantly positive effect on pulmonary function variables, including forced expiratory volume 1 (FEV1), forced volume vital capacity (FVC), vital capacity (VC) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). The researchers concluded supplementation with omega-3s could improve pulmonary function during and post-exercise in athletes.