Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, a probiotic, a multivitamin, and trace mineral drops.
What do they have in common? These are the basic kinds of supplements Tom Brady takes. Since 2000, they've powered his quest for accelerated recovery and better performance.
“The right supplements won’t replace a proper nutritional regimen," Tom says. "But they ensure you get what your body might be lacking."
Why are omega-3 fatty acids a part of the lineup?
“Essential fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA, help with energy, musculoskeletal function, and calcium metabolism,” Tom says.
He adds that they can also enhance immune function and help support hormone, nerve and brain function.
For athletes and anyone looking to fight inflammation and support their immune system, here are some specific benefits of supplementing with the right omega-3 fatty acids:
According to researchers, supplementing with omega-3s can help you meet body composition goals. A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition reported that participants taking fish oil for six weeks were able to increase lean muscle mass and decrease body fat.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition offered particularly powerful evidence to support the value of fish oil for older athletes. Testing a group that ranged in age from 60 to 85, they measured things like grip strength and 1-rep maximums for upper- and lower-body strength. They found that essential fatty acids generated “clinically important muscle anabolic and physical performance-enhancing effects in older adults.”
Exercise and competition can create inflammation. Certain blood tests can inform you about inflammation levels, but as TB12 co-founder and Tom’s longtime Body Coach Alex Guerrero likes to simplify it: “If you have pain, you have inflammation.”
A few simple steps can help manage post-workout muscle soreness or joint inflammation, including eating real foods (and avoiding processed foods), drinking plenty of water, and performing active recovery workouts.
While omega-3 fatty acids were once believed to have a suppressing effect on the immune system, new research from the Journal of Leukocyte Biology found that omega-3s actually enhance the activity of white blood cells known as B-cells. This research has brought scientists even closer to fully understanding the immune enhancing properties of these omega-3s.
DHA is a critical building block for your skin, the retinas in your eyes, and your brain. It is also found in breast milk, where it plays a central role in a baby’s neurodevelopment.
For an athlete omega-3 supplementation can support the central nervous system and improve reaction time.
Supplementing with Omega 3s
The data continues to build regarding what EPA and DHA can do for overall health, including cardiovascular health, neurological health, vision health, and joint health. When paired with a smart functional strength & conditioning program and an anti-inflammatory diet, TB12 Omega is a supplement that can help you get accelerate recovery and bolster overall health and wellness.