MedPath

Action of Essential Fatty Acids on the Expression of Antioxidant Genes and Athletic Performance

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Oxidative Stress
Training Season
Exercise
Athletic Performance
Antioxidant Capabilities
Registration Number
NCT02177383
Lead Sponsor
University of the Balearic Islands
Brief Summary

There are conflicting evidences of the effects of dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on athletic performance. The investigators working hypothesis is based on the polyunsaturated fatty acids, given its pro-oxidative character and also by its action on transcription factors can modulate the antioxidant response and oxidative damage induced by physical activity.The overall objective of the study is to establish situations improving athletic performance and study the oxidative balance by manipulation of feeding patterns and consumption of nutritional supplements and investigate the involved mechanisms.

Detailed Description

There are conflicting evidences of the effects of dietary supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on athletic performance. The described effects of PUFAs on the fat metabolism may be modulated by the expression and activity of transcription factor genes, suppressing or expressing genes associated with the synthesis and oxidation of fats and in oxidative stress and inflammation.

The investigators' working hypothesis is based on the polyunsaturated fatty acids, given its pro-oxidative character and also by its action on transcription factors can modulate the antioxidant response and oxidative damage induced by physical activity.

In the field of professional sports and leisure use of food and / or antioxidants in the belief that these elements prevent muscle damage is very established. Most studies in athletes supplemented with antioxidant nutrients revealed no significant effects on physical performance, but it has shown that supplements protect against tissue damage induced by exercise. Recent studies have reported that over 35% of the Spanish people eat diets low or very low quality, which is clearly shown that over 10% of Spaniards have poor intakes (\<2/3 IDR) riboflavin (men) , folate (women), vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E.

The overall objective of the study is to establish situations improving athletic performance and study the oxidative balance by manipulation of feeding patterns and consumption of nutritional supplements and investigate the involved mechanisms. The aim of this study is to establish scientific basis for design functional foods improving athletic performance and health and avoiding the negative consequences of the oxidative damage induced by overexertion.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
15
Inclusion Criteria
  • Ages eligible for study: 16 to 35 years
  • Genders eligible for study: Male
  • Equilibrate diet
  • Physical activity of 1-2 hours daily 5-7 days weekly.
  • Body mass index (19-25 kg/m2)
Exclusion Criteria
  • Smokers

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
DHA incorporation in erythrocyte cellular membranesBaseline, week 8

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a conditionally essential fatty acid. Primary outcome: DHA incorporation in the erythrocyte cellular membranes by gas chromatography of soccer players during a training season

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
DHA on oxidative stressBaseline, week-8 (pre- and post-exercise)

Effects of DHA diet supplementation, the training season and acute exercise on oxidative and nitrosative damage markers and antioxidant enzyme activities, and protein levels in different blood fractions.

DHA on inflammationBaseline, week-8 (pre- and post-exercise)

Effects of DHA diet supplementation, the training season and acute exercise on inflammation markers.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of Balearic Islands

🇪🇸

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

University of Balearic Islands
🇪🇸Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

MedPath

Empowering clinical research with data-driven insights and AI-powered tools.

© 2025 MedPath, Inc. All rights reserved.