The Omega-3 Index measures how much of the Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA are built into red blood cell membranes. These fats are essential for health, but the body cannot make enough of them, so they must come from foods like oily fish or from supplements. The Index reflects long-term Omega-3 intake and is considered optimal at 8% or higher. Levels below this range have been linked with poorer cardiovascular health (Harris \& Von Schacky, 2004). . For athletes, Omega-3 research suggests they can help reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and support immune function. Despite this, many elite athletes appear to have Omega-3 Index values around 4-5%, well below the recommended level of 8%. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether increasing the Omega-3 index has any recovery benefits post a bout of downhill running in athletes. Downhill running is commonly used as way to cause exercise-induced muscle damage and study recovery. The Omega-3 index will be increased with a daily fish oil supplement.
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
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Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Plasma interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Plasma Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Myoglobin concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Serum Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Plasma creatine kinase (CK) concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Plasma high sensitivity C-reactive Protein (hs-CRP) concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Capillary Free Oxygen Radical Test (FORT) Concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.
Capillary Free Oxygen Radical Defence (FORD) Concentration
Timeframe: Participants will complete this once at baseline and then again after 4 months of supplementation.