The short term effects of exercise and omega‐3 fatty acids on the plasma lipid profile in Wheaton College students

Abstract

Dyslipidemia plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis, an underlying factor in cardiovascular disease. Both exercise and dietary modifications are key to positively influence lipid profile. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate effects of a single bout of moderate‐intensity exercise and short‐term consumption of omega‐3 fatty acids on the plasma lipid profile in men and women. Fourteen Wheaton College students (7 males and 7 females) participated in 2 single bouts of 60 minutes, moderate‐intensity exercise (55‐60% of estimated HRmax), separated by a 14 day consumption of 3 g of fish oil per day. Plasma lipid profile was measured before and after each bout of exercise; measurements were grouped as baseline (BA), post‐exercise (PE), post‐fish oil (PF), or post‐exercise and fish oil (PEF). Significant differences were found in female TRIG, male HDL, female VLDL, and male ratio TC/HDL (P < 0.05). From BA to PEF, males had significantly higher HDL values by 16%, and significantly lower TC/HDL values by 13% (p < 0.017). TRIG and VLDL levels in females were significantly increased by 47% and 55% (p < 0.017) from BA to PEF, respectively. Separately, acute exercise and short‐term fish‐oil intake were not shown to significantly change the lipid profile; however, when combined, HDL increased in males, and TC/HDL decreased in males.