In 2017, Superba Krill and Aker BioMarine launched the Pure Science Research Program and pioneered a pilot study with the Oslo Univeristy Hospital to examine the effects on omega-3 levels during high-intensity exercise in athletes.
To do this, we teamed up with the Pure Science Triathlon Team and one of the world’s toughest triathlons, the Isklar Norseman Xtreme Triathlon, which takes place every year in August among the beautiful fjords of Norway. As an unmatched event in both severity and intensity, this was the ideal situation to investigate the effect of intense exercise on omega-3 levels in the body.
Check out the video find out more about the study, the team and the incredible Norseman Triathlon.
Drop in omega-3 levels after intense exercise
Pilot data from the 2017 study clearly showed a drop in omega-3 levels in the athletes during the first 5 weeks following the race. However, it was shown that supplementation with krill oil after the race during the recovery phase restored the drop in the athletes’ omega-3 levels and significantly increased their Omega-3 Index.
Omega-3 levels were measured using the Omega-3 Index Test which measures the amount of EPA and DHA in the red blood cell membranes.
In addition, it was noted that those athletes with an already high Omega-3 Index reported less illness during the training phase before the race, although this result was not statistically significant. More information on the results of the 2017 pilot study can be found here.
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It’s 2018 and the Pure Science Research Program continues
With the 2018 Isklar Xtreme Triathlon right around the corner on the 4th August, the Pure Science Research Program is back in full force.
This year we will be building on the interesting 2017 results to further investigate the effects of krill oil supplementation on athletes' training, performance and recovery with additional parameters to measure how omega-3 levels change under intense physical exercise.
The Pure Science Research Team will be measuring the omega-3 blood levels of the athletes before and after the race using the Omega-3 Index Test along with collecting data surrounding the athletes’ training, dietary habits and illness.
In addition, the Aker BioMarine Team will be onsite at the event this year to interview these top athletes who will attempt to complete this world-class event. We’ll find out more about the intense physical demands that a race like the Norseman places on an athlete's body and how they integrate nutrition, supplements and a healthy diet into their vigorous training programs.
Stay tuned and follow the Aker BioMarine Facebook page to stay up to date with the latest information regarding the Pure Science Research Program and the results of our 2018 study, or download the brochure below to find out more.