Abstract
The influence of nutrition has the potential to substantially affect physical function and body metabolism. Particular attention has been focused on omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which can be found both in terrestrial features and in the marine world. They are responsible for numerous cellular functions, such as signaling, cell membrane fluidity, and structural maintenance. They also regulate the nervous system, blood pressure, hematic clotting, glucose tolerance, and inflammatory processes, which may be useful in all inflammatory conditions. Animal models and cell-based models show that n-3 PUFAs can influence skeletal muscle metabolism. Furthermore, recent human studies demonstrate that they can influence not only the exercise and the metabolic response of skeletal muscle, but also the functional response for a period of exercise training. In addition, their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity may provide health benefits and performance improvement especially in those who practice physical activity, due to their increased reactive oxygen production. This review highlights the importance of n-3 PUFAs in our diet, which focuses on their potential healthy effects in sport.
Highlights
There is an increasing interest in finding nutrients and supplements that can improve athletic performance and recovery
The exact mechanism acting on the muscle-protein synthesis process is not entirely clear, but it resulted in being partially mediated via increased activation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin-ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (p70s6k) signaling pathway, which is considered an integral control point for muscle cell growth
A potential improvement in endurance performance has been suggested by another study, which found that n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation (1.1 g per day), versus a placebo, resulted in a significant increase in VO2 -max (+3.7 mL kg−1 min−1 ) and in endothelial function [49]
Summary
There is an increasing interest in finding nutrients and supplements that can improve athletic performance and recovery. In omega-3 fatty acids, the first double bond is between the third and fourth carbon atoms from the tail end These essential nutrients have to be introduced through diet. In particular Antarctic krill, is a rich source of both antioxidants, such as marine carotenoids (for example astaxanthin and fucoxanthin), vitamins A and E, and phospholipids containing long-chain n-3 PUFAs. alternative EPA and DHA marine sources such as sponges, bacteria, fungi, plants, and, in particular, autotrophic macroalgae and microalgae, are currently being explored for large-scale commercial omega-3 production [6] because of their optimum balance between n-3 and n-6 fatty acids [7].
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