Fish Oil Supplementation and Satiety: Effects on Appetite

Abstract

Fish oil supplements naturally contain omega-3 fatty acids, which pose a variety of different health benefits that inevitably improve cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids work to improve cardiovascular health through, "the suppression of appetite, improvements in circulation which might facilitate nutrient delivery to skeletal muscle and changes in gene expression which shift metabolism toward increased accretion of lean tissue, enhanced fat oxidation and energy expenditure and reduced fat deposition." (Buckley & Howe, 2010, p.1). Most of the existing literature suggests the possible link between omega-3 supplementation and appetite suppression due to the presence of polyunsaturated fats (Buckley & Howe, 2010, p.1). These fats work to increase feelings of satiety and inhibit the inclination to continue eating (Parra et al., 2008, p.1). In contrast, a randomized control trial also exists that connects omega-3 supplementation to an increase in appetite (Damsbo-Svendsen et al., 2013, p.1). Close examination to an increase of dietary patterns throughout the course of this study will examine what effect the supplement could have on appetite. My research investigated how fish oil supplementation affects specific dietary patterns and behaviors.