Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation in Athletes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: This study aims to summarize the evidence regarding the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation on both amateur and professional athletes. Objective: The aim is to elucidate the impacts of PUFAs supplementation on physical performance, inflammatory response, biochemical profile, anthropometric/body composition, and performance outcomes in athletes. Methods: Articles published up to December 2023 were retrieved from databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase. Selected articles met eligibility criteria and quality methodology. Data on inflammatory response, biochemical markers, anthropometric/body composition, and neuromuscular indicators were extracted. Results: Twenty-one studies were included in this systematic review. PUFAs supplementation resulted in decreased levels of certain inflammatory markers (interferon-gamma, interleukin 1, prostaglandin E2, and tumor necrosis factor alpha). However, no significant differences were observed in interleukin 4, 6, 8, 10, and matrix metalloproteinase 9. Additionally, there were no differences in glycemic (glucose and insulin) and lipid metabolism (high density lipoprotein (HDL)) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides). A reduction in reactive oxygen species levels was noted. No significant differences were found in muscle fatigue markers and anthropometry. Some performance parameters (neuromuscular and aerobic) improved following supplementation, including performance on the Yo-Yo distance test, resting energy expenditure, exercise time to exhaustion, and maximum oxygen consumption/maximum heart rate. Conclusion: Supplementation with PUFAs (600–3150 mg) in athletes led to reductions in inflammation and oxidative stress markers, as well as improvements in specific aerobic performance parameters. However, no significant effects were observed on glycemic and lipid profiles, anthropometric profiles, or body composition.