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Omega-3 supplements for exercise inflammation
The growing interest in using omega-3 supplements for exercise inflammation stems from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of these polyunsaturated fatty acids. Exercise produces both inflammation and oxidative stress, which might sound like a bad thing but it’s actually good. The biological responses to exercise allow the body to adapt to training. However, excess inflammation can be counterproductive, especially when it interferes with subsequent training or, even worse, competition. Similarly, injuries and illness generate inflammation and oxidative stress which should be mitigated under certain circumstances. This article is based on a systematic review of 13 studies that analysed the effects of omega-3 supplements on various markers of inflammation and muscle…
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Pre-workout supplements
Pre-workout supplements are among the most heavily-marketed products targeted to recreational and elite athletes. In this article we will discuss if they work and if they are safe. What are pre-workout supplements? Also known as multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements, these are products designed to be taken before exercise to enhance performance. They typically contain several ingredients in various quantities which are sometimes undisclosed and marked as “proprietary blends” (1, 2, 3). Common ingredients Common ingredients in pre-workout supplements include caffeine, creatine and beta-alanine (2, 3), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), nitrates (2), citrulline, taurine, tyrosine and B vitamins (3). Jagim et al. analysed 100 pre-workout products and found that, in average, they…
