Researchers in Wollongong report that fish oils can reduce pulse rate and oxygen consumption during exercise, making for more efficient energy production without compromising performance.

Fish oil capsules were given to well-trained cyclists, and after 8 weeks, pulse rate and whole body oxygen consumption were significantly reduced compared to placebo. Previously a study conducted in the USA when a lower dose of fish oil (0.08g/d) was used over a longer period (four months), similarly found that the fish oil was able to reduce pulse rate and enhance recovery post-exercise.

Australian researchers suggest that fish oil is readily incorporated into the heart and skeletal muscles, where it works to reduce both whole-body and myocardial oxygen demand during exercise. For athletes this means that more efficient oxygen utilization could enhance aerobic exercise capacity and reduce rate of lactic acidosis.