Fish oil has direct effects on muscle growth and recovery which are both very crucial parameters for consideration amongst athletes in general.

3 methods are involved in promoting these effects. The first is the observation that fish oil seems to promote muscle building, a process known as anabolism. Reputed university studies had proven that when healthy volunteers were given 4 gr of fish oil daily as part of a controlled observational test for the effects of fish oil, the researchers found a notable increase in the formation of muscle protein.

Protein formation is the method by which various and separate amino acids join to form whole proteins. Basic biology teaches us that the foundational units of muscle fibers are in fact protein, and this is of prime importance for athletes. The researchers also noticed that the consumption led to an increase in the motor pathway, which is a key signaling pathway that controls muscle cell growth.

The second way in which fish oil seems to benefit athletes is that it reduces muscle breakdown, a process also known as catabolism. Therefore, along with aiding the building of muscle at an accelerated rate, it also assists in maintaining and preserving existing muscle. The muscles are continuously in a balancing act of both anabolism, which is muscle creation, and catabolism, which is muscle degradation. The net muscle or lean weight gain is determined by the difference in the levels of anabolism and catabolism taking place in the body. Hence, if you reduce the amount of muscle catabolism, you will, in effect, amplify your overall muscle gain. 

How Does Fish Oil Help in Building Muscle?

The best fish oil for bodybuilding assists in reducing muscle catabolism using 3 primary mechanisms. These 3 mechanisms include cortisol, ubiquitin-proteasome,and inflammation. Cortisol is a stress hormone that causes a eduction in muscle growth by the direct utilization of muscle fiber for energy production. Ubiquitin-proteasome is also a primary bodily pathway that leads to catabolism that can be greatly reduced when a higher intake of EOPA is incorporated into the individual’s dietary regimen.

Lastly, inflammation while not being a direct tensor on the catabolic process, leads to the stress factor on joints and tissues that form the supporting connective structures around muscle tissues. This stress causes pain and strain that prevents muscle training, which indirectly leads to reduced muscle hypertrophy. By reducing these 3 mechanisms, we can see that fish oil positively correlates to a regular, higher training regimen for athletes that promotes positive muscle hypertrophy. 

The Recommended Fish Oil Dosage

Regarding the recommended fish oil dosage, the main thing to take note of is that it is not the overall amount of raw fish oil that is important, but rather the specific amount of EPA and DHA that matters; the 2 key Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil. 

Top 5 Fish Oil Supplements for 2017

From this point on, we will review 5 individual fish oil supplements which provide all the intended benefits expected from the best fish oil for bodybuilding. 

Omegaboost Omega-3 Fish Oil 

 

This supplement has a very digestible lemon flavor that disguises the fishy taste that’s usually associated with fish oil tablets. These tablets have a sizable dosage of Omega-3 in each capsule. Omega boost acts as a great supplement to your heart health function. Each dose contains only 10 calories and has 1,200 milligrams of fish oil.

The benefits and drawbacks of this product are listed below.

Pros:

• A single tablet is required per day

• Fantastic choice for anyone who does not like popping multiple pills a day

• Marked effect in inflammation reduction

• Noticeable improvement in functional memory.

Cons:

• The oil is extracted from fish that may contain mercury.

• It has an EPA to DHA ratio that is not favorable for an athlete’s training goals.

• The flavoring could also be a polarizing factor, as some consumers may not like the lemon taste.

• The capsules are very large.

• Difficult for some consumers to swallow due to a more sensitive gag reflex.

• A final consideration, which some consumers have noticed while utilizing this product is that it may cause the urine to have an odd fishy odor.

Newchapter Wholemega Fish Oil 

 

This product is made of 5 different Omega fatty acids, all of which are obtained from wild caught Alaskan salmon. One dose of this product is equal to 3 whole servings of fish regarding Omega oil nutritional content. The gelatin used to make the capsule is halal, which may be an important consideration for some users, and the product is guaranteed to be soy-free, which helps to avoid any allergic reactions. Also, it does not contain any krill.

Pros: 

• Contains astaxanthin, a very potent antioxidant.

• Works efficiently against free radicals in the body.

• Effective against oxidation induced by a buildup of lactic acid due to vigorous training.

• The product contains no added filler material.

• Reported to be less smelly than other comparable fish oils.

Cons:

• An Omega-3 count that is sizeably lower than other similarly priced supplements.

• The fish odor burps that are common if the capsules are not taken with a meal.

• The large capsule is again a difficulty in swallowing for many consumers.

• Multiple capsules need to be taken daily which may be a deal breaker for many users who prefer a single dosage.

Carlson Norwegian Cod Liver Oil 

 

This product claims to be a great source of Vitamin D3 and Vitamin A. It also has an additional source of Vitamin E for fortification. The company behind it has a unique preservation method, utilizing nitrogen instead of natural air, to reduce oxidation, which thereby ensures that it will maintain its potency for a longer period, giving you the freshest supplement possible. It can be added to liquids and other beverages of choice. The fish oil is extracted without any chemical intervention.

Pros:

• Easily blends into the most commonly consumed beverages

• Excellent naturally sourced vitamin profile

• No chemical involvement that may serve as a dilution to potency

Cons: 

• The typical fish burp, even when consumed with a meal

• The Omega-3 Dosage profile is sizably less compared to similarly priced products 

Nutrigold Triple Strength Omega-3 Gold Fish Oil 

Nutrigold provides a prominently higher concentration of Omega-3 than would be usually available in supplements of comparable price and dosage. All the raw content of this supplement is obtained and manufactured exclusively in the United States. This ensures to the extent that the fish used for producing this supplement was obtained from sustainable and hygienic sources. The dark container reduces exposure to direct sunlight that could contribute to the deterioration of the fish oil.

Pros:

• It’s dark bottle helps to keep the light out

• It does not contain any artificial coloring 

Cons:

• A faintly fishy after taste, which was unequivocally noted in all the products reviewed. 

Green Pasture Blue Ice Royal Oil 

 

This widely popular product boasts a unique blend of butter oil that contains a higher vitamin density profile infused with fish oil produced using a fermentation process. This in turn gives a nutrient stack that is assimilated more readily by the digestive health. It’s very beneficial for your overall health and non-heat extracted for added potency. More benefits that add to the credit of this product possibly being the best fish oil for bodybuilding is the high dosage per serving and the processing mechanism of the product which does not rely on heat and chemical buffering, leading to a greater efficacy.

Pros:

• An effective bodybuilding support aid for muscle growth and maintenance

• Doubles as a unique preventative supplement to reduce dental caries.

• The fermentation process prevents the product from expiring

• Help improve acne and other aggravated skin issues caused by excessive sebum production due to its effect on regulation of the hormone system.

Cons: 

• None reported 

Our Recommendation

The Green Pasture Blue Ice Royal Oil is a clear winner. The stabilised version of the fish oil is easier for the body to assimilate. It’s also free from even the minor contaminants. The product offers exceptional value for money. In using this product, consumers have not reported any major side effects or drawbacks. It is for these reasons that the Green Pasture Blue Ice Royal comes in first to be the best fish oil for bodybuilding for 2017.

This blog was originally posted by Karen Reed | Click here to read the original blog! 

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