The Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Serum Levels of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Oxidative Stress Following Plyometric Training in Active Men

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 supplementation with 4 weeks of plyometric training on serum changes of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxidative stress and their relationship in active men. 28 physical education male students (age 23.21±1.98 year, height 174.25±5.34 cm, weight 66.83±7.49 kg, BMI 20.03±2.25 kg/m2) were randomly divided into four groups including training omega-3, omega-3, training, control. The training and trainingꉧ3 (combination) groups performed selected plyometric training for 4 weeks in 2 or 3 sets with 6 to 12 repetitions. Also, supplementary (omega-3) and combination groups daily consumed 2 gr. omega-3 and 1 gr. starch (as a capsule) 3 times per day after their meals. Training group received placebo capsules (starch with similar weight combined by saffron to provide color for an appearance and taste similar to omega-3 capsules). ANOVA was used to examine inter-group differences and Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to investigate the existence of any relationships among variables. A significant increase was observed in BDNF serum levels in combined and supplementation groups compared with the control group (P=0.001, P=0.004 respectively). Serum levels of MDA decreased significantly in supplementation group compared with control group (P=0.002). Also, serum levels of SOD in training group increased significantly compared with control group (P=0.042). Likewise, only a correlation observed was observed between MDA and SOD in supplementation group (P=0.048, r=0.759). Regular consumption of omega-3 supplementation combined with plyometric training increases BDNF and reduces MDA. Consequently, it can be used as a beneficial method to increase the health of the nervous system and to resist oxidative stress induced by exercise training.