The Relationship between Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake and Muscle Soreness in Collegiate Rowers

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID INTAKE AND MUSCLE SORENESS IN COLLEGIATE ROWERS Background: Intense exercise may result in delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which is worsened with unaccustomed eccentric exercise, and is considered a major contributing factor to poor athletic performance. DOMS-related muscular inflammation appears to be especially prevalent in college-aged athletes. There is beginning evidence suggesting that omega-3 fatty acid (O3FA) intake may aid in alleviating muscle soreness, possibly because O3FA contribute to the production of anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to determine if the intake of omega-3 fatty acids was associated with a reduction in muscle soreness in collegiate rowers. Methods: Several groups of collegiate rowers were identified as potential subjects and, using an IRB-approved protocol, 61 volunteers from this subject pool agreed to participate in the study. At the end of the first week of fall practice, subjects were asked to provide information on age, weight, height, ethnicity, rowing level, sun exposure, exercise regimen, preand peak-soreness and exertion levels, hydration status, and food/supplement intake. A Talag scale was used to determine the severity of muscle soreness, and a modified Borg scale was used to determine the exertion intensity level. A food frequency questionnaire using a 10-point Likert scale was used to assess food and supplement intake, with a focus on omega-3 fatty acids. Results: Subjects with a higher intake of EPA/DHA rich bottled supplemental fish oil, taken by spoon, had significantly higher soreness levels than those with lower intakes (p = 0.028). Higher soreness was also significantly associated with higher intake of EPA/DHA rich fish oil capsules (p < 0.026). Lower soreness was significantly associated with higher fruit intake (p = 0.030). Conclusions: These findings suggest that high intakes of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, regardless of liquid or capsule form, may be contraindicated for collegiate rowers wishing to reduce muscle soreness. Recommending fruit intake may be warranted in rowers wishing to reduce muscle soreness. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID INTAKE AND MUSCLE SORENESS IN COLLEGIATE ROWERS By Danica Rose Carswell