Effects of 30-Day High-Dose Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Plasma Oxidative Stress Enzyme Activities in Recreational and Trained Runners: A Pilot Study.

Background

Physical activity induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which, at moderate levels mediate beneficial physiological adaptations, including insulin sensitivity and enhanced antioxidant defense. However, excessive ROS production during intense exercise may exceed endogenous antioxidant capacity, leading to oxidative stress and muscle damage.

Objective

This study examined the effects of 30-day high-dose omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (9 g/day) on plasma fatty acid composition and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in recreational (n = 11) and trained (n = 10) runners, with emphasis on group- and time-specific responses.

Methods

Plasma levels of arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were assessed at three time points: pre-, during, and post-supplementation period. Enzymatic activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were measured at six time points, including before and after exercise sessions involving a 2800 m run followed by a 400 m sprint.

Results

Omega-3 supplementation increased plasma EPA and DHA. In trained runners, it was associated with a transient reduction in GPx and a pronounced mid-phase decline in SOD, whereas enzyme activities remained stable in recreational runners. CAT activity did not change significantly in either group.

Conclusions

Short-term high-dose omega-3 supplementation modulates antioxidant enzyme activity in a group- and time-dependent manner. The observed downregulation of GPx and SOD in trained runners may reflect altered redox signaling; however, its relevance for exercise performance remains uncertain. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the physiological and functional consequences of these findings.