Research has shown that cod liver oil can help you recover faster after physical activity

In order to achieve sports goals, not only the training itself is important, but also the recovery period. Although most people think that muscles are strengthened in the gym, they actually grow while resting. Therefore, in order to effectively increase your strength, you should not look past the recovery period.

Insufficient recovery can lead to overtraining syndrome. And this is characterized by such symptoms as constant muscle pain, fatigue, weakening of the immune system, sleep and appetite disorders, which can severely impair efficiency, slow down or even completely stop physical progress. Recovery time depends on various criteria: the intensity of the training, the strength of the muscle itself, the muscle groups being trained (small muscle groups, for example, biceps, recover faster than large muscle groups). Naturally, most athletes aim for the most efficient and shortest possible recovery period.

To ensure quality rest, it is advised to abandon strict diets, eat properly, sleep well, consume enough protein or use various vitamin and mineral supplements. The good news is that recovery can be boosted by a dietary supplement available to everyone.

In 2020, Norwegian scientists conducted a study in which the connection between the regular use of omega-3 supplements and the inflammatory reaction caused by physical exertion was explained while studying the bodies of amateur athletes. It also looked at how levels of the inflammatory response differed between cod liver oil and other omega-3 supplements.

1002 people participated in the study, of which even 85% confirmed by taking omega-3 supplements. The results showed that cyclists who regularly consumed cod liver oil had a lower inflammatory response to exercise compared to other athletes. This means more efficient recovery of the body after sports, which could also lead to less muscle pain. In addition, it has been observed that regular consumption of cod liver oil has this positive effect in non-exercising or overweight people.

Why might cod liver oil supplements lead to a lower inflammatory response? This is influenced by CRB (C-reactive protein). Physical exertion causes inflammatory processes in the body, to which our immune system reacts. The liver begins to synthesize the protein CRB, which is one of the indicators of inflammation. As CRB levels decrease, inflammation is reduced, which means faster recovery after exercise.

The study found that participants who regularly took omega-3 supplements had lower CRB levels both before and after competition compared to participants who took supplements infrequently or not at all. CRB rates also differed between athletes taking omega-3 supplements. The lowest CRB levels were observed among study participants who consumed cod liver oil. It is also interesting that these athletes had the lowest level of inflammation after sports. After 24 hours after exercise, cyclists who took cod liver oil had a 24 percent increase in CRB levels. less compared to other participants.

No significant difference was observed between those who took other omega-3 supplements and those who did not. It is believed that regular consumption of cod liver oil could lead to faster recovery of the body after physical activity for the following reasons: cod liver oil is rich in vitamins A and E, which are associated with better recovery of the body after sports, and vitamin D, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Cod liver oil oxidizes more slowly and has a higher amount of EPR and DHA fatty acids in its recommended daily amount compared to other omega-3 supplements. Cod liver oil is an excellent choice for improving the body’s recovery and possibly reducing muscle soreness after physical activity.