Does Fish Oil Allow You To Exercise More?

Strong evidence suggests that fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acid, may have a positive effect on exercise tolerance, reports the U.S. Department of health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Improved oxygen delivery to the muscles and faster recovery times are some of the tested benefits associated with this supplement.

Fish Oil and Muscle Soreness

Your intentions to exercise on a regular basis have a formidable enemy called delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS. This dull, aching pain usually occurs within 24 to 72 hours after your workout. The eccentric phase of a muscular contraction, which causes the muscle to lengthen as it contracts, is one of the culprits responsible for delayed onset muscle soreness. Fish oil may alleviate delayed onset muscle soreness induced by eccentric exercise, reports B. Tartibian, lead author of a March 2009 study published in the "Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine."

Inflammation

Muscle fatigue, over exertion and injury may cause muscular and joint inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation and lead to faster recovery times, advises American College of Sports Medicine fellow Dan Benardot, author of "Advanced Sport Nutrition." Researchers at the University of California studied the mechanisms by which fish oil fights inflammation. A protein receptor, when turned off, activates the cells that trigger inflammation, but when exposed to fish oil, the receptor triggers an anti-inflammatory response. The September 2010 edition of "Cell" published the study. Since exercising with inflamed muscles or joints is inadvisable, preventing inflammation increases the number of days per week that you can exercise.

Exercise-Induced Asthma

A form of bronchoconstriction called exercise-induced asthma affects both recreational and elite athletes. This condition causes a narrowing of the airways, which makes it difficult to breathe during your workout. Athletes taking fish oil supplements containing 3.2 grams of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid for three weeks showed improved pulmonary function during their exercise session and reduced bronchodilator use, reports Timothy D. Mickleborough, lead author of a study published in the January 2006 edition of "Chest."

Cardiovascular Benefits

Fish oil supplements also benefit the heart, according to numerous studies cited on RacingWeight.com. The results of a July 2009 study featured in the "Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport" indicate that fish oil supplements reduced the heart rates of Australian football players during sub-maximal exercise. A reduced heart rate lowers your perceived exertion level, allowing you to exercise longer. Another study, published in the "European Journal of Applied Physiology," found that fish oil supplements increased stroke volume during low to moderate exercise. Increased stroke volume improves oxygen delivery, which improves aerobic performance.