New research by scientists in Germany and Iran has demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids may have a valuable role to play in boosting lung function during sports, reports nutraingredients.com.
Researchers from the Urmia University in Iran and the University of Tuebingen in Germany, recently carried out a trial involving 40 non-smoking Iranian athletes.
The athletes were assigned to three groups: an experimental group received training and omega-3 supplements (1,000 mg omega-3, with 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA, Viva omega-3 fish oil, Canada); a second group received a placebo only; a third active control group received training plus placebo); and the fourth inactive control group received omega-3 but no training.
Using a number of standard lung capacity measures, the researchers showed significant improvements following 12 weeks of supplementation and training. Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) had improved by 41 per cent, while forced vital capacity (FVC) increased 53 per cent, in the omega-3 supplements and training group.
