Omega-3 from fish oil and physical activity improve lipid levels in metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome: help from the combo of exercise and Omega 3
Physical exercise and intake of fish oil rich in Omega 3 help lipid metabolism in obese individuals suffering from 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 the effectiveness of a therapy based on regular physical activity and fish oil to counteract alterations in fat metabolism in people with metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome, a (also) fat problem
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by disorders associated with insulin resistance, the hormone that controls sugar utilization in the body, and an increased risk of inflammation, thrombosis, and the presence of lipids linked to atherosclerosis. In particular, in obese individuals, postprandial fat levels are altered compared to normal. At the same time, these subjects show an increased fasting presence of chylomicrons, molecules that collect triglycerides and cholesterol introduced through diet at the intestinal level and that are usually only present after meals. The accumulation of these molecules, associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, is difficult to treat with traditional therapies. Indeed, neither increased insulin activity, nor weight loss, nor cholesterol medications are sufficient to reduce apoB48 concentrations, a molecule indicating the presence of chylomicrons. However, some studies have shown that fish oil intake increases the efficacy 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 physical exercise and Omega-3 intake on chylomicron levels in obese individuals with metabolic syndrome. Participants took fish oil capsules — totaling 1.7 grams of Omega-3 per day — or placebo tablets for 16 weeks. After the first 4 weeks, all subjects were assigned a training program. Before the experiment and at 4 and 16 weeks after its start, researchers collected blood samples from each participant both fasting and after a standard meal. Analyses of these samples showed that fish oil alone reduced postprandial triglyceride levels by nearly 20%, and that combining it with exercise increased this effect. Moreover, the combination of fish oil intake and physical activity reduced fasting concentrations of both triglycerides and apoB48.
Omega-3 and physical exercise: here’s the winning combination
Based on these results, the researchers concluded that fish oil improves triglyceride levels, while to bring chylomicron values back to normal, physical activity must be combined with Omega-3 intake. According to the authors, this effect could be based on the independent action of Omega-3 and exercise on the liver, allowing an improvement in the processes of chylomicron absorption by this organ.
