Efeito da suplementação de Ômega-3 nas alterações induzidas pelo treinamento combinado em parâmetros metabólicos e no desempenho físico de idosos com sobrepeso ou obesos

Abstract

The lifestyle of the world population contributes to the increased incidence of chronic non-communicable diseases such as obesity, a disease characterized by greater secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators that compromise the functioning of several physiological systems. However, physical training and omega 3 supplementation can prevent or reverse the obesity-induced changes in physical performance and health parameters. These strategies may particularly benefit elderly individuals, who often experience declines caused by the aging process. However, the existing studies that investigated the additive effects of physical training and omega-3 fatty acids supplementation have not shown consistent effects, for example, on cognition. In addition, no study has analyzed the effect of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on the benefits induced by combined training (aerobic and strength) in overweight or obese elderly people. Thus, the present study aimed to verify, in individuals with the characteristics mentioned above, the effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on the changes induced by combined training in: energy metabolism measured at rest, metabolic parameters, markers of oxidative stress and liver damage, executive functions, aerobic performance, muscle strength, and functional capacity. Men and women aged ≥ 60 years, with a body mass index ≥ 27 and who had a low daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids were recruited. Participants were distributed in a balanced and double blind manner between groups: combined training + omega-3 fatty acids supplementation (759 mg / day of DHA and 1941 mg / day of EPA) (T+3, n = 14) or combined training + placebo (T + PLA, n = 12). The intervention lasted 8 weeks, with the capsules being ingested once a day and training being performed three times a week. After the intervention period, we observed that the combined training improved metabolic rate measured at rest, lipid profile, aerobic and muscle strength performance, and the functional capacity of the studied individuals. Moreover, training increased the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and increased brain processing speed measured by a cognitive test. We found that the addition of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation to combined training increased the oxygen consumption relative to body mass and fat-free mass by 23% and 25%, respectively; we also observed a trend for an enhanced increase in HDL lipoprotein concentration in the group supplemented with omega 3 fatty acids compared to the group that ingested placebo: 18% and 4% respectively. However, there were no effects of supplementation on the changes induced by training in the other parameters investigated. We conclude that, in the investigated period, omega-3 supplementation has limited effects on changes induced by combined training in metabolic parameters and physical performance in overweight or obese elderly individuals.