Kosttilskudd med omega-3-fettsyrer - virkning på immunforsvaret etter langvarig fysiske anstrengelser

Hard physical strain leads to characteristic alterations in immune system variables, resembling those seen in sepsis and heavy injury, i.a. increased release of a long range of mediator molecules like TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-1 ra and IL-6. The aim of the present study was to investigate if supplementation with ω-3 fatty acids would influence the above mentioned changes. The study was accomplished in connection with a nine days´ military maneuver at the Garnisonen in Sør- Varanger. The maneuver was rounded off with a ski march of 65 km over three days. The soldiers were randomized to two groups, which were either given a daily supplement of 1,4 g ω-3 (n=11) or placebo (n=9). The supplementation was started six weeks before the maneuver. Our measurements included haematology, transaminases, and selected plasma immune parameters. We also measured LPS-stimulated cytokine production in ex vivo whole blood. The participants even carried out a simple physical test (step-test). Subjective symptoms from the muscles were marked on a Visual Analogue Scale. At the start of the exercise no significant differences were seen between the groups except for plasma fatty acid pattern, which reflected adherence to the protocol. The results were relatively unambiguous and did not reveal any effects of the food supplement. Only one exception was found: members of the ω-3-group reported of less subjective muscular pain (p = 0.03 vs. controls). Our conclusion is that the extra supplementation of marine oils in connection with this nine days´ military maneuver did not influence the selected immune variables or physical performance ability.