Introduction: Intense exercise activity, as a physiological stress factor can cause inducting synthesis of inflammation factors in the body and its impact on vital systems involved in activity such as respiratory system, can impair athlete performancewhich is called exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). In order to destroy free radicals and reduce the effects of EIB, consuming omega-3 fatty acids as an anti-inflammatory and vitamin C as a powerful antioxidant, is suggested as an anti-pharmaceutical approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute aerobic exercise along with omega-3 and vitamin C supplementation on pulmonary function in athletes with mild EIB.
Methodology: 36 athletes with mean age 21.38±0.37 years, BMI 21.77±0.64 kg/m2 and VO2max 50.19±2.00 ml/kg/min were selected and randomly divided into three groups: supplement omega-3 (fish oil capsules, 1000 mg 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA/day), vitamin C (500 mg chewable tablets of vitamin C/day) and control groups. Pulmonary function test was performed in three groups before and after 21 days of supplementation and after an exhaustive aerobic exercise (treadmill Strand).
Results: The results showed at the end of 21 days of taking supplements, there was not significantly difference between VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, MVV in all compared to pretest (p>0.05), also there was no significant difference between groups in these factors (p>0.05)
Discussion: According to this study, it seems taking short term of Omega-3 and Vitamin C supplement has no significant effect on respiratory factors and it is not a way to reduce the impact of mild EIB.