Abstract
Several studies have shown that rodents accumulate less body fat when fed a diet rich in fish oil (FO) when compared to an iso-energetic diet rich in other types of fat. However, little is known about the effects of dietary FO on body composition and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in humans. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of supplemental FO on RMR and body composition in middle-aged adults. METHODS: A total of 24 middle-aged men and women (45+6y, mean+SD) participated in the study. All testing was performed first thing in the morning following an overnight fast. Baseline measurements of RMR were measured using indirect calorimetry using a facemask, and body composition was measured using air displacement plethysmography. Following baseline testing, subjects were randomly assigned in a double blind manner to one of two groups: 4g/d of Safflower Oil (SO); or 4g/d of FO supplying 1,600mg/d eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 800mg/d docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All tests were repeated following 6wk of treatment. Data were analyzed using a group X time repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Compared to the SO group, there was a significant increase in lean mass following treatment with FO (FO= +0.48 + 0.5kg, SO= -0.05 + 0.6kg, p=0.03) and a significant reduction in fat mass (FO= -0.36 + 1.14kg, SO= +0.50 + 0.77kg, p=0.04) and body fat percentage (FO= -0.41 + 1.22% body fat, SO= +0.53 + 0.98% body fat, p=0.05). No significant differences were observed for body mass (FO= +0.11 + 0.83kg, SO= +0.46 + 0.75kg, p>0.05), RMR (FO= +17 + 260kcal, SO= -62 + 184kcal, p>0.05) or respiratory exchange ratio (FO= -0.02 + 0.09, SO= +0.02 + 0.05, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: 6wk of supplementation with FO in middle-aged adults significantly increased lean mass, and decreased fat mass and body fat percentage. However, there were no changes observed for RMR following FO supplementation. Supported by a Gettysburg College Research and Professional Development Grant and Genuine Health Corporation
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
