Lee Swanson Research Update

Combining Fish Oil Supplements and Aerobic Exercise Lowers Cardiovascular Disease Chances

June 2007

Regular exercise and consuming long-chain omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) from fish or fish oil can independently improve cardiovascular and metabolic health, but combining these lifestyle modifications can be more effective than either treatment alone, according to a study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Researchers in Australia studied the individual and combined effects of omega-3 supplements and regular exercise on body composition and cardiovascular health.

Overweight volunteers with high blood pressure, cholesterol or triacylglycerols were randomly assigned to one of the following interventions: fish oil (FO), fish oil and exercise (FOX), sunflower oil (SO), or sunflower oil and exercise (SOX). Subjects consumed six grams of tuna FO or six grams of SO per day. The exercise groups walked three days per week for 45 minutes at 75% age-predicted maximal heart rate. Plasma lipids, blood pressure and arterial function were assessed at 0, 6 and 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed at 0 and 12 weeks.

Researchers found that FO supplementation lowered triacylglycerols, increased HDL cholesterol and improved endothelium-dependent arterial vasodilation. Exercise improved arterial compliance. Both fish oil and exercise independently reduced body fat.

The study concluded: "FO supplements and regular exercise both reduce body fat and improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. Increasing intake of omega-3 EFAs could be a useful adjunct to exercise programs aimed at improving body composition and decreasing cardiovascular disease risk."

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 85(5):1267-1274, 2007

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