Fish Oils and Soybean Lecithin Supplementation Modulate Immune Function in Runners

High-EPA and High-DHA Fish Oils and Soybean Lecithin Modulate Inflammation and Neutrophil Properties in Runners Before and After a Half-marathon

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo, Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior., Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

The purpose of this study was evaluate the comparative effects of FO rich in EPA (FO-EPA) and FO rich in DHA (FO-DHA) on inflammation and neutrophil properties after a prolonged and strenuous exercise. The effect of soybean lecithin on the same parameters and conditions also was evaluated.

The volunteers were not taking any medication during the study. All individuals signed an informed consent form to the study protocol. Both experimental procedure and informed consent form of this study were in accordance with Guide for the Care and Use of Humans. All volunteers performed two half-marathons. In the first half-marathon, all participants were not supplemented. Dietary supplementation was initiated immediately after the first race. The volunteers were randomly separated into 3 groups: Soybean lecithin group; Fish oil-DHA group and Fish oil-EPA group. The volunteers ingested 3 g daily of SL or FO-DHA containing 1.5 g DHA and 0.3 g EPA or FO-EPA containing 1.6 g EPA and 0.3 g DHA (EPA:DHA = 5.4:1) during 60 days. Experimental design: First race - not supplemented, blood samples were collected before (Phase I) and immediately after race (Phase II). Second race - dietary supplemented, blood samples were collected before (Phase III) and immediately after the race (Phase IV). Results were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) and Tukey post-hoc test. The statistical analysis of the half-marathon effect was performed using nonparametric t tests. Results were considered statistically significant for P<0.05.

The volunteers ingested 3 g daily of Soybean lecithin or fish oil rich in docosa-hexanoic acid (DHA) containing 1.5 g DHA and 0.3 g EPA (DHA:EPA = 5:1) or fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) containing 1.6 g EPA and 0.3 g DHA (EPA:DHA = 5.4:1) during 60 days.

All volunteers performed two half-marathons. In the first half-marathon, all participants were not supplemented. In the second half-marathon, participants were supplemented. Blood samples were collected before and after both half-marathon race.

The volunteers ingested 3 g daily of Soybean lecithin or fish oil rich in docosa-hexanoic acid (DHA) containing 1.5 g DHA and 0.3 g EPA (DHA:EPA = 5:1) or fish oil rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) containing 1.6 g EPA and 0.3 g DHA (EPA:DHA = 5.4:1) during 60 days.

All volunteers performed two half-marathons. In the first half-marathon, all participants were not supplemented. In the second half-marathon, all participants were supplemented. Blood samples were collected before and after both half-marathon race.

Neutrophil expression was expressed in fluorescence intensity evaluated by flow cytometry at 530/30 nm (FITC) 660/20 nm (APC) or 695/40 nm (PE) wavelengths (BD Accuri cytometer).

Immediately after the first race (Phase II) and immediately after the second race in supplemented athletes (Phase IV).

Plasma concentrations of IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-alpha in pg/mL were measured by Millipore® Multiplex Assays Using Luminex® (Millipore Corp., MA).

Immediately after the first race (Phase II) and immediately after the second race in supplemented athletes (Phase IV).

Blood leukocyte counts in number of cells per mL was performed immediately after collection using routine automated system (hematological analysis cytochemic/isovolumetric assay).

Immediately after the first race (Phase II) and immediately after the second race in supplemented athletes (Phase IV).

Plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in U/L was immediately measured using an automated system (kinetic-enzymatic assay).

Immediately after the first race (Phase II) and immediately after the second race in supplemented athletes (Phase IV).

Inclusion Criteria: Healthy recreational half-marathon runners. Exclusion Criteria: Auto-immune disease Inflammatory disease Cardiorespiratory disease