Research

Micronutrients & recovery

Omega-3 supplementation may reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and improve recovery by modulating inflammatory eicosanoids and increasing blood flow.

Omega-3s might help reduce muscle soreness after intense workouts, but the evidence is not consistent. Do not rely on them to eliminate soreness. Prioritize sleep, hydration, and protein intake for recovery.

ModerateConditionalLOW confidence
Given the antagonistic effect of n-3 acids on pro-inflammatory eicosanoids [10], supplementation may help to alleviate exercise-related delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS)... Some studies have shown a beneficial effect [75] while others have not [41].
Gül Tiryaki-Sönmez et al. · Biomedical Human Kinetics · 2011

Why this rating

Evidence is mixed, with some studies showing benefit and others not.

Source

Omega-3 fatty acids and exercise: a review of their combined effects on body composition and physical performance

Gül Tiryaki-Sönmez et al. · Biomedical Human Kinetics · 2011

narrative_reviewCited 13×
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