Effects of n -3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on the omega-3 index, and exercise performance among Malaysian football players: a randomised controlled trial
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 4 November 2022
Issue publication date: 16 May 2023
Abstract
Purpose
The present randomised controlled trial aimed to assess the effects of 8-week supplementation of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) on the n-3 index and performance of professional male football players.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 27 professional male football players were randomly assigned into 2 groups: placebo (n = 14) and n-3 LCPUFA (n = 13). n-3 LCPUFA supplements containing 1.5 g eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 600 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were administered as 6 capsules (four in the morning and two in the evening, 30 min after a meal). Anthropometry, body composition, dried-blood spot n-3 LCPUFA levels, exercise performance and dietary intake of football players were measured at week 0, week 4 and week 8.
Findings
n-3 LCPUFA supplementation improved blood levels of EPA and DHA levels, omega-3 index vs placebo (p time*group = 0.010, 0.041 and 0.018, respectively). n-3 LCPUFA supplemented group had significantly higher aerobic capacity than placebo participants, at week 8 (p group = 0.021).
Originality/value
This study shows the effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation in Malaysian professional male football players involved in team sports having low dietary intakes of n-3 LCPUFA.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the football players, coaches and the management of the Selangor Football Association. The authors also acknowledge the help of Muhammad Syafiq Mohd Razam, a sports scientist for his technical assistance in fitness assessment.
Citation
Appukutty, M., Shyam, S., Choo, Z.Y., Tan, S.S., Chong, H.Z.M. and Choong, A. (2023), "Effects of
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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