Fish Oil Benefits Older Women Who Exercise

A recent study published on PLOSOne found that fish oil has many beneficial effects for older women who exercise. This small study recruited 24 females between 65 and 67 years old who were in good health. Half were given 3 g worth of fish oil supplements (2 g EPA and 1 g DHA)per day, while the other half were given the same amount in organic olive oil. A side note here is that olive oil has many benefits for the cardiovascular system, so it may not always be the best placebo. Extensive measurements were taken preceding the experimental phase, as well as at the conclusion. The experimental phase was 12 weeks, during which the women ate and exercised as usual. The group who supplemented with fish oil showed a significant increase in resting metabolic rate (14%), energy expenditure during exercise (10%), a 19% increase in the rate of fat oxidation during rest and a 27% increase during exercise. Fish oil consumption lowered triglyceride levels by 29% and increased lean mass by 4% and functional capacity by 7%. No changes were noted in the olive oil group. 

The study is available here in full text.