Archive for January 30th, 2013

Intensive training reduces the activity of immune cells that destroy pathogens and cancer cells. That’s why athletes are more likely to fall prey to nasty viruses after a heavy workout or training session. Fish oil supplements probably offer protection, researchers at the University of Aberdeen discovered.

You’ll find regular postings on this website about substances that are supposed to give the immune system a boost. Potential candidates include oatmeal fibre, Chlorella, Echinacea, garlic, and – believe it or not – near beer.

The Brits decided to go in a different direction and examined the effect of fish-oil capsules. They were inspired by a study done in 2007 at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, which showed that post-training fish-oil supplementation improved the functioning the immune system of swimmers. [Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2007 Oct-Nov; 77(3-4): 139-45.]
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