Fish Nutrient Supplementation in High-intensity Functional Training

Summary

Nowadays, many persons who exercise consume dietary supplements. Previous scientific studies have found that protein supplementation increases muscle mass when combined with an exercise program. In addition, vitamin D probably improves performance and muscle function. Likewise, ω3 fatty acids, apart from improving cardiovascular function, may also increase protein synthesis and performance. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of a novel aquaculture-based sport supplement of proteins, ω3 fatty acids and vitamin D on physical performance, body composition, and the biochemical profile of persons following high-intensity functional training (HIFT). The efficacy of the experimental supplement (E) will be compared with whey protein (W) and maltodextrin (a carbohydrate) as placebo (P).

Thirty healthy trained individuals (15 male and 15 female), aged 18-35, will take E, W, and P during three 6-week periods of HIFT (a different supplement each period) with three workouts a week and a washout (no supplement) period of 2 weeks between supplementation periods. E is a combination of powder, containing protein and vitamin D, and capsules containing ω3 fatty acids. When on E, participants will receive 0.6 g protein/kg body weight, 20 μg vitamin D, and 1.8 g ω3 fatty acids daily. When on W, they will receive 0.6 g protein/kg body weight and, when on P, they will receive 0.6 g maltodextrin/kg body weight daily. The order of E, W, and P will be random and counterbalanced. Throughout the study, participants will be on isoenergetic nutritional plans to avoid differences in energy intake that might compromise the validity of the study. The dietary plans will be individualized and will provided 1.0 g protein/kg body weight/day.

Participants will undergo measurements of muscle strength, muscle endurance, aerobic capacity, and body composition prior to the first supplementation period, between periods, and after the third period. Also, blood amino acids, fatty acid acids, vitamin D, hematology, biochemistry, and hormones will be measured. To avoid bias, assessors will not know which supplement each participant is taking during each period.

The main hypotheses of the study are: 1) Consumption of E will increase lean body mass compared to W and P; 2) consumption of E will improve muscle strength, muscle endurance, and aerobic capacity compared to W and P; and 3) consumption of E will result in a better blood amino acid, fatty acid, and vitamin D profile.

Conditions

• Exercise Training
• Dietary Supplements

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Fish nutrients

Intake of fish protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Whey protein

Intake of whey protein

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Maltodextrin

Intake of maltodextrin

Sponsors & Collaborators

• European Commission

  collaborator OTHER

• Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

TRIPLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-11-08

Primary Completion

2023-03-31

Completion

2023-09-30

Countries

• Greece

Study Locations