Effect of 8-week omega-3 supplementation on pulmonary function during classic army ranger training

Omega (ω) -3 fatty acids have positive effects on different body systems such as cardiovascular، respiratory، nervous، and skeletal systems. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ω-3 supplementation on pulmonary function in cadets participated in army ranger training. In this study، 41 army cadets (mean age، 18. 6± 0. 9 years) were randomly allocated to the supplement (S، n=21) and placebo (P، n=20) groups. The two groups participated in army classic military training 4-5 days/week for 8 consecutive weeks. The S and P groups were asked to consume 1000 mg/day ω-3 and placebo per day for 8 weeks، respectively. Pulmonary function was assessed at the first and end of the training. Results indicated a significant difference in FEV1، FVC، MVV، FEF25-75%، FIV1 at the end of the training compared to those obtained at the beginning in both groups; however، the changes were markedly greater in the S group (P≤0. 05). It can be concluded that the supplementation of ω-3 (1000 mg/d) can induce positive alteration in different pulmonary function indices.