Evidence supporting the use of: Omega-3 fatty acids
For the health condition: Exercise

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been investigated for their potential benefits in supporting exercise performance and recovery. Scientific studies have shown that omega-3 supplementation can reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness (delayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS), likely due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Some research also suggests that omega-3s may improve muscle protein synthesis, enhance endurance, and support cardiovascular health, all of which are beneficial for physically active individuals.

Clinical trials have demonstrated modest benefits in reducing markers of muscle damage and inflammation after intense exercise. For example, a 2018 systematic review in the journal Sports Medicine concluded that omega-3 supplementation may reduce muscle soreness and help preserve muscle function after eccentric exercise. Some evidence also points to improved reaction time, muscle strength, and overall recovery in athletes, although these effects are generally small to moderate and not universally observed across all studies.

Despite these findings, the overall strength of evidence is moderate, as studies vary in dosage, duration, and participant characteristics. Omega-3 supplementation is not a substitute for proper training, nutrition, or recovery, but it can be a supportive strategy for some athletes or active individuals. The current consensus is that omega-3s may provide certain exercise-related benefits, particularly in recovery and inflammation control, but more large-scale, high-quality studies are needed to fully clarify their role and optimal use in this context.

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Other health conditions supported by omega-3 fatty acids

Acne
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Addictions (drugs)
Addictions (general remedies for)
Addictions (tobacco smoking or chewing)
Aging (prevention)
Alcoholism
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Angina
Anorexia
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Anger (excessive)
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Attention Deficit Disorder
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Bipolar Mood Disorder
Birth Defects (prevention)
Blood Clots (prevention of)
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Building
Broken Bones
Bulimia
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Dysmenorrhea
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Epilepsy
Exercise
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Eyesight (poor)
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fibrosis
Free Radical Damage
Glaucoma
Gout
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Hearing Loss
Heart (weakness)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Irritability
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Macular Degeneration
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Muscular Dystrophy
Nerve Damage
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Numbness
Osteoporosis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Pets (supplements for)
PMS Type D
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Psoriasis
Raynaud's Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rosacea
Schizophrenia
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seborrhea
Seizures
Senility
Sickle Cell Anemia
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Spinal Disks
Strokes
Surgery (healing from)
Surgery (preparation for)
Thinking (cloudy)
Thrombosis
Triglycerides (high)
Triglycerides (low)
Vaginal Dryness