Abstract
It was hypothesized that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids could increase physical activity (PA) levels, where traditional interventions often fail. The aim of this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trail was to evaluate the effects of 15-week administration of omega-3 fatty acids on objectively measured PA and relative body weight in 8–9 year-old children. The children were randomly assigned to supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids or placebo. Primary outcome was change in PA counts per minute (cpm), and secondly change in body mass index standard deviation score (BMI SDS). Covariance models were applied adjusting for age, gender, weight status, PA and intervention season. Compliance was controlled for by analyzing fatty acid composition in plasma. The intention to treat population consisted of 362 children (omega-3 n = 177, placebo n = 185). No significant effects of omega-3 fatty acids on PA or relative body weight were observed. In covariance models no effects were observed by gender, weight status or change in PA (all p > 0.05), but inactive children increased their PA more than children classified as active at baseline (p < 0.05).
Highlights
Obesity in childhood has immediate consequences on health, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, abnormal glucose tolerance, and psychosocial health effects[1,2]
The aim was to evaluate if motivational interviewing (MI) could increase physical activity (PA) in children aged 6–10 years with low initial PA levels
No differences between the groups were found in fractions of EPA and Placebo n-3 FAs n
Summary
Obesity in childhood has immediate consequences on health, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, abnormal glucose tolerance, and psychosocial health effects[1,2]. There is considerable evidence that a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids has beneficial effects on health by, for example, favorably improving triglyceride levels, affecting blood clotting and vasoconstriction, having inflammatory properties and reducing body fat[9]. An enhancement of post-prandial satiety may lead to reduced food intake and contribute to a reduction in body fat[10]. In this context, omega-3 supplementation may have potential anti-obesity properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of 15 weeks’ administration of 732 mg/day of omega-3 fatty acids (556 mg EPA, 176 mg DHA) on PA and relative body weight in children aged 7–9 years
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