DHA Reduces Muscle Inflammation After Heavy Training

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is a structural part of the brain, skin, sperm, testicles and eyes. Fish oil is the most significant dietary source of DHA. Many studies suggest that DHA reduces inflammation and the risk of heart disease. Frank DiLorenzo, Chris Drager and Janet Rankin from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University found that DHA supplements (two grams per day) reduced blood markers of inflammation (creatine kinase and interleukin 6) during four days of eccentric training (negatives). However, DHA had no effects on muscle soreness or range of motion during the four-day period or an additional 13 days of weight training in untrained people. (Journal Strength Conditioning Research, 28: 2768-2774, 2014)