The effect of omega-3 on oxidative stress in elite karate athletes

Background and During intense and prolonged exercise، generate the reactive oxygen species that leads to cell damage. It seems that the use of antioxidant supplements reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of omega-3 supplementation on oxidative stress in elite karate athletes. Sixteen elite male karate athletes were randomly divided into two experimental groups (supplement) and control (placebo) groups. Subjects was consumed 1200 mg omega 3 (720 mg EPA and 480 mg DHA) and the placebo daily for 4 weeks. Both groups participated in increased karate training programs (3 days a week for a month). Blood sampling were performed pre and post the training period to analyze oxidative stress index (malondialdehyde) and anti-oxidative index (superoxide dismutases) and lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides). The student’s t-test was used to analyze of the two groups Taking omega 3 led to a significant reduction in resting malondialdehyde levels in experimental group (t = 2. 38، p =0. 045) and no significant change in the placebo group (t = 0. 708، p =0. 506). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0. 065،t=2). Superoxide dismutases rate were no significant increases in experimental group and the placebo (respectively p = 0. 792، t = 0. 272، p = 0. 186، t=1. 39). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0. 186،t=1. 39). Cholesterol concentration was significantly lower in experimental group (P=0. 018، t=2. 97) and no significant change in the placebo group (P=0. 514، t=0. 694). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0. 172،t=1. 44). Concentration of triglyceride decreased significantly in experimental and placebo groups (respectively، P=0. 428، t=0. 835، P=0. 217، t=1. 38). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0. 315،t=1. 04). omega 3 supplementation increases serum levels of antioxidant and decreases oxidant biomarkers and decline resting levels of lipid profiles in exercise-trained men، but does not appear necessary for exercise-induced attenuation in oxidative stress. Therefore، for more accurate conclusions regarding the effects of omega-3 and exercise on oxidant / antioxidant factors on trained pepole more research is needed