The Effect of Krill Oil Supplementation on Exercise Performance and Markers of Immune Function.

Mariasole Da Boit,Stuart Robert Gray,Niall Mcgovern,Ina Mastalurova,Goda Brazaite,Keith Thompson,Andrew Philp

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0139174

Mariasole Da Boit, Stuart Robert Gray + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0139174

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Journal: PloS one	Publication Date: Sep 25, 2015
Citations: 57	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: University of Aberdeen

Abstract

BackgroundKrill oil is a rich source of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may alter immune function after exercise. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of krill oil supplementation on post exercise immune function and performance.MethodsNineteen males and 18 females (age: 25.8 ± 5.3 years; mean ± S.D.) were randomly assigned to 2 g/day of krill oil (n = 18) or placebo (n = 19) supplementation for 6 weeks. A maximal incremental exercise test and cycling time trial (time to complete set amount of work) were performed pre-supplementation with the time trial repeated post-supplementation. Blood samples collected pre- and post- supplementation at rest, and immediately, 1 and 3h post-exercise. Plasma IL-6 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations and, erythrocyte fatty acid composition were measured. Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFNγ production were also measured.ResultsNo effects of gender were noted for any variable. PBMC IL-2 and NK cell cytotoxic activity were greater (P < 0.05) 3h post exercise in the krill oil compared to the control group. Plasma IL-6 and TBARS, PBMC IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and IFNγ production, along with performance and physiological measures during exercise, were not different between groups.ConclusionSix weeks of krill oil supplementation can increase PBMC IL-2 production and NK cell cytotoxic activity 3h post-exercise in both healthy young males and females. Krill oil does not modify exercise performance.

Highlights

Krill oil is a rich source of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may alter immune function after exercise
peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) IL-2 and Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity were greater (P < 0.05) 3h post exercise in the krill oil compared to the control group
Fish oils are rich in the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been found to have positive effects in chronic inflammatory disease, such as cardiovascular disease [1] and diabetes mellitus [2]

Summary

Introduction

Fish oils are rich in the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been found to have positive effects in chronic inflammatory disease, such as cardiovascular disease [1] and diabetes mellitus [2]. Similar increases in plasma EPA and DHA can be seen when a third less PUFAs are given as krill compared to fish oil supplements [7]. Krill oil is a rich source of the long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which may alter immune function after exercise. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of krill oil supplementation on post exercise immune function and performance.

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