Omega-3 from fish oil and physical activity improve lipid levels in metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome: help from the sports and Omega 3 combo
Exercise and intake of fish oil rich in Omega 3 help lipid metabolism in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome. This conclusion was reached by a group of researchers from Curtin University in Perth, Australia. The results of their studies, published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism, demonstrate theeffectiveness of a therapy based on regular physical activity and fish oil to counteract alterations in fat metabolism in those with metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome, a problem (also) of fat
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by disorders associated with resistance to insulin, the hormone that controls sugar utilization in the body, and an increased risk of inflammation, thrombosis, and the presence of lipids associated with atherosclerosis. Particularly in obese individuals, fat levels are altered after meals relative to normal. At the same time, in these individuals, it is possible to find an increased presence, on an empty stomach, of chylomicrons, molecules that collect triglycerides and cholesterol introduced with food at the level of the intestine and that, in general, are present only after meals. The accumulation of these molecules, which is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, is difficult to treat with traditional therapies. In fact, neither increased insulin activity nor weight loss or the use of cholesterol drugs are sufficient to reduce concentrations of apoB48, a molecule that indicates the presence of chylomicrons. However, some studies have shown that fish oil intake increases the effectiveness of cholesterol drugs and that omega-3 fatty acids reduce chylomicron levels. On the other hand, in healthy individuals,physical activity improves fat metabolism after meals.
The study
Based on these premises, Australian researchers evaluated the effect of exercise and Omega-3 intake on chylomicron levels in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome. Study participants took either fish oil capsules-a total of 1.7 grams of Omega-3 per day-or tablets containing a placebo for 16 weeks. After the first 4 weeks, all subjects were assigned an exercise program. Before the start of the experiment and at 4 and 16 weeks after its start, the researchers collected blood samples from each participant both fasting and after a standard meal. Analyses conducted on these samples showed that fish oil alone reduced triglyceride levels after meals by almost 20 percent, and that combining it with exercise increased this effect. In addition, the combination of fish oil intake and exercise reduces both fasting triglyceride and apoB48 concentrations.
Omega-3 and exercise, that's the winning combination
Based on these results, the researchers concludedfish oil improves triglyceride levels, while physical activity must be combined with Omega-3 intake to bring chylomicron values back to normal. According to the authors, this effect could be based on the independent action of Omega-3 and exercise on the liver, which would allow for improved chylomicron absorption processes by this organ.
