The effect of fish oil supplementation on the promotion and preservation of lean body mass, strength, and recovery from physiological stress in young, healthy adults: a systematic review
Jeffery L. Heileson, LesLee Funderburk
Abstract
CONTEXT: Military personnel are subjected to physiologically stressful environments during combat and its associated training. Evidence suggests that fish oil-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (FO n-3 PUFAs) may affect military personnel's performance by promoting or preserving lean body mass, strength, and power, while enhancing recovery from training-associated muscle damage. OBJECTIVE: Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review assessed the evidence for FO n-3 PUFA supplementation across various military-relevant outcomes related to physical performance in healthy adult populations. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, Embase, and the CINAHL databases were searched along with references lists of selected articles and reviews. DATA EXTRACTION: Eighteen trials were assessed for bias, and descriptive data were extracted. DATA ANALYSIS: Of the 18 studies included, 12 trials favored FO n-3 PUFA supplementation in ≥ 1 of the performance outcomes. CONCLUSION: Overall, FO n-3 PUFA supplementation likely preserves strength and very likely enhances recovery from physiological stress in young, healthy adults. However, FO n-3 PUFAs' role in promoting or preserving lean body mass or promoting strength is unclear and warrants additional investigation. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42020152786.