Action of Essential Fatty Acids on the Expression of Antioxidant Genes and Athletic Performance
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
There are conflicting evidences of the effects of dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on athletic performance. The investigators working hypothesis is based on the polyunsaturated fatty acids, given its pro-oxidative character and also by its action on transcription factors can modulate the antioxidant response and oxidative damage induced by physical activity.The overall objective of the study is to establish situations improving athletic performance and study the oxidative balance by manipulation of feeding patterns and consumption of nutritional supplements and investigate the involved mechanisms.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
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N/A |
Detailed Description
There are conflicting evidences of the effects of dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on athletic performance. The described effects of PUFAs on the fat metabolism may be modulated by the expression and activity of transcription factor genes, suppressing or expressing genes associated with the synthesis and oxidation of fats and in oxidative stress and inflammation.
The investigators' working hypothesis is based on the polyunsaturated fatty acids, given its pro-oxidative character and also by its action on transcription factors can modulate the antioxidant response and oxidative damage induced by physical activity.
In the field of professional sports and leisure use of food and / or antioxidants in the belief that these elements prevent muscle damage is very established. Most studies in athletes supplemented with antioxidant nutrients revealed no significant effects on physical performance, but it has shown that supplements protect against tissue damage induced by exercise. Recent studies have reported that over 35% of the Spanish people eat diets low or very low quality, which is clearly shown that over 10% of Spaniards have poor intakes (<2/3 IDR) riboflavin (men) , folate (women), vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.
The overall objective of the study is to establish situations improving athletic performance and study the oxidative balance by manipulation of feeding patterns and consumption of nutritional supplements and investigate the involved mechanisms. The aim of this study is to establish scientific basis for design functional foods improving athletic performance and health and avoiding the negative consequences of the oxidative damage induced by overexertion.
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: Docosahexaenoic acid 1 liter/day of one experimental beverage (containing 0.2% olive oil + 0.6% DHA-S Martek) provides 1.14 g DHA/daily |
Dietary Supplement: Docosahexaenoic acid diet supplementation
Nine soccer players (19 and 22 years old) took 1 liter/day of one experimental beverage (containing 0.2% olive oil + 0.6% DHA-S Martek). Follow-up 8 weeks. At week 8 an acute exercise season was programed.
One blood sample was taken in resting conditions at beginning of the nutritional intervention (week 0, baseline). Another two blood samples were taken at the end of the nutritional intervention, in resting (week 8, pre-exercise) and post-exercise conditions (week 8, post-exercise). Biochemical measures, oxidative damage markers on lipids, proteins and DNA, antioxidant capabilities (enzyme activities and quantity of enzyme protein and gene expression) and inflammatory markers were measured in serum, plasma, erythrocytes, neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
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| Placebo Comparator: Olive oil 1 liter/day of placebo beverage (containing 0.8% olive oil) |
Dietary Supplement: Placebo supplementation
Six professionals soccer players (19 and 22 years old) took 1 liter/day of placebo beverage (containing 0.8% olive oil). Follow-up 8 weeks. At week 8 an acute exercise season was programed.
One blood sample was taken in resting conditions at beginning of the nutritional intervention (week 0, baseline). Another two blood samples were taken at the end of the nutritional intervention, in resting (week 8, pre-exercise) and post-exercise conditions (week 8, post-exercise). Biochemical measures, oxidative damage markers on lipids, proteins and DNA, antioxidant capabilities (enzyme activities and quantity of enzyme protein and gene expression) and inflammatory markers were measured in serum, plasma, erythrocytes, neutrophils and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
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Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- DHA incorporation in erythrocyte cellular membranes [Baseline, week 8]
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a conditionally essential fatty acid. Primary outcome: DHA incorporation in the erythrocyte cellular membranes by gas chromatography of soccer players during a training season
Secondary Outcome Measures
- DHA on oxidative stress [Baseline, week-8 (pre- and post-exercise)]
Effects of DHA diet supplementation, the training season and acute exercise on oxidative and nitrosative damage markers and antioxidant enzyme activities, and protein levels in different blood fractions.
- DHA on inflammation [Baseline, week-8 (pre- and post-exercise)]
Effects of DHA diet supplementation, the training season and acute exercise on inflammation markers.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Ages eligible for study: 16 to 35 years
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Genders eligible for study: Male
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Equilibrate diet
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Physical activity of 1-2 hours daily 5-7 days weekly.
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Body mass index (19-25 kg/m2)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Smokers
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Balearic Islands | Palma de Mallorca | Balearic Islands | Spain | 07122 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- University of the Balearic Islands
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Investigators
None specified.Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- IB 994/08 PI