Authors
Abstract
Background and purpose: Recent reports suggest that increased homocysteine is a risk factor for heart disease. On the other hand, regular exercise and supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids have been effective in reducing these diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the interaction effect of 8 weeks of aerobic training and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on plasma homocysteine concentration in elderly men. Materials and methods: The statistical sample for this experimental study consisted of 36 male non-athletes in the age range of 57.37±3.37 years. They were selected from Genaveh, Iran, and randomly divided into 4 groups: exercise with omega-3 supplements, exercise with placebo, omega-3 supplementation, and placebo intake. The 8-week endurance exercise program included 3 sessions per week with pre-determined duration (30-45 minutes) and intensity (55-70% HRmax). Daily dosage of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation was 2000 mg. Blood samples were taken after 14 hours of fasting before the study and 48 hours after the last training session. Results: The results showed that, despite a decline by 3.6% in the exercise + omega-3 fatty acids group, 12.4% in the placebo + exercise group (due to higher basal values of this group), and 2.8% in the omega-3 supplement group, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could not create a significant decrease in plasma homocysteine concentration (p≥0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that aerobic exercise and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation are associated with a non-significant but tangible decrease in plasma homocysteine concentration as a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
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