“Among athletes there is a widespread habit of taking a supplement of Omega 3 fatty acids especially for the cardiovascular protective action, but also to improve mitochondrial energy efficiency, adaptation to exercise and its economy, brain and nerve function, airway inflammation and exercise-induced bronchospasm. Omega 3 also plays a role in reducing exercise-induced inflammation and muscle damage, as well as cardiac damage.” This was stated by Luca Mondazzi, professor at the School of Specialization in Food Sciences at the University of Milan, head of the nutrition service of Sport Service Mapei and scientific head of the Enervit sport team, on the occasion of the panel ‘Physical activity and physical exercise for healthy longevity’, which opened the second day of the V International Congress “Healthy lifespan – positive nutrition, antiinflammation diet, physical activity and sport” organized by the Paolo Sorbini Foundation, and promoted by Enervit and Technogym, at Palazzo Mezzanotte in Milan.
“An Omega 3 index value, i.e. the percentage of Omega 3 fatty acids compared to the total fatty acids of the cell membrane, of 8 is linked to a decrease in cardiovascular risk – explains Mondazzi – if lower than 4 there is an increased cardiovascular risk A daily supplement of the order of 2 grams over the course of a few months is effective in determining the achievement of the optimal Omega 3 index”. Moderate head injuries and concussions related to sporting activity also benefit from the intake of Omega 3: “About 20% of the over 2 million annual visits to European emergency rooms for traumatic brain injuries are linked to injuries that occur in the during sporting or recreational activities – underlines the expert – 50% continue to have symptoms approximately 12 months after the event and it is recognized that repeated exposure to even mild brain trauma leads to an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases animals it has been shown that omega 3 supplementation after brain trauma is able to significantly improve the score in all the areas considered”.
“Exercise-induced bronchospasm affects approximately 20% of athletes and can occur in both asthmatic and healthy subjects, both during and after exercise, causing breathing difficulties and reduced performance”. However, “it can also be asymptomatic and not lead to a decrease in performance, despite being present. Bronchospasm triggers a cascade of inflammatory reactions and, even in this case, Omega 3 fatty acids can play a supporting role. In all studies concerning bronchospasm due to exercise and the supplementation of Omega 3 fatty acids, it was observed that the intake of Omega 3 contributed to remodulating the presence of inflammation-promoting molecules, such as eosinophils and pro-cytokines”.
#Health #Mondazzi #UniMi #Omega #shield #cardiovascular #risk