NEW OMEGA 3 STUDY REVEALS KRILL OIL MAY HELP IMPROVE PERFORMANCE

A new study released has revealed that supplementation with omega-3 krill oil, particularly DHA and EPA, has been shown to strengthen markers of immune function following intense exercise in triathletes, helping to improve their performance and recovery.

The study conducted by Aker BioMarine, Pure Science Triathlon team and Norseman, examined the effects of krill oil omega-3s on athletic performance and recovery of some of the world’s toughest triathletes and found that higher omega-3 levels were associated with less illness during training and better performance during the race.

The study also found that athletes with higher omega-3 levels recovered faster after the race.

Study leader Dr Andreas Berg Storsve said Omega-3s were some of the most important nutrients that our bodies needed, and that they were essential for maintaining and supporting cardiovascular, brain, eye and joint health.

“We have found they are also important for sports endurance and recovery,” he said.

“We know that high-intensity training has an impact on immune function and inflammation, making athletes especially vulnerable to illness and infections.

“This study is extremely exciting as it has shown has a direct impact on the athletes’ physical recovery and performance.”

The pilot study conducted during the Isklar Norseman Xtreme Triathlon (2017), which measured omega-3 levels before and after the race, clearly showed a drop in omega-3 levels following high-intensity exercise. 

Dr Storsve said phospholipid-bound omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil, particularly DHA and EPA, were highly anti-inflammatory and were shown to strengthen markers of immune function following maximal exercise.

“Krill oil consumption may therefore help to reduce the risk of infection and circumvent training disruptions in athletes,” he said.

Naturopath, nutritionist and long-distance runner Stephen Eddey said also weighed into the study.

“Previous studies have shown that eight out of every 10 Australians have below target omega-3 levels, which is of real concern as high levels of omega-3 are also linked to improved cardiovascular health, reduction in inflammatory conditions and mood disorders,” he said.

“This study is important as it demonstrates yet another benefit of omega-3 krill oil and the potential impact it may have on improving overall health of not just elite athletes but Australians generally.

Since testing a random group of 50 athletes from 2017 Norseman field, the 2018 research study will enable a more in-depth, systematic study of the importance of phospholipids for recovery in both training and competition. 

Dr Storsve said the 2018 study will be testing for specific biomarkers of inflammation and immune responses as well as the effects of choline, a central component of krill oil, on performance and recovery.

“By doing so, we will get a more complete understanding of the nutritional factors that help athletes optimise their performance.

“However, the results so far suggest that krill oil can have a real impact in the world of sports.”