The role of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) in human health is widely recognised [Calder (2019)]. Recent observations suggest that n-3PUFA may improve endurance capacity, prevent injuries and improve recovery following exercise-induced muscle damage in active participants [Żebrowska (2015), Tsuchiya (2016)]. In contrast, there is insufficient evidence in athletic populations that n-3PUFA supplementation can facilitate muscle growth during resistance training or preserve muscle mass during catabolic scenarios such as energy restriction or immobilisation [Philpott (2019)]. Nevertheless, one recent study has demonstrated benefits of n-3PUFA ingestion on retention of lean mass in an immobilisation model in active young females [(McGlory (2019)], supporting potential sex differences in muscle responses to n-3PUFA ingestion.
Seafood is an essential source of n-3PUFA, vitamin D, minerals, and high-quality protein [(de Roos (2017), Carboni (2019)]. The UK weekly fish intake recommendation is to eat at least two portions of fish, with one of them being oily [The Eatwell Guide (2016)]. For the Scottish population, the recommendation is to consume one portion of oily fish per person per week [FSAS (2016)]. However, the most recent Scottish Health Survey reported that in 2018, only 31% of adults consumed oily fish at least once a week, and the median intake is zero portions per week. The focus on a healthy, sustainable diet is of interest to the general population and sport participants, particularly since seafood consumption would align with a food-first approach to sport nutrition guidance.
The aims of this PhD project are:
1) to assess the association between dietary intake of n-3PUFA-rich foods and the use of n-3PUFA supplements with physical function, body composition and n-3PUFA status, vitamin D and amino acids profile in young and older Scottish athletes.
2) to determine the impact of n-3PUFA dietary intake or n-3PUFA supplement intake on blood markers, adaptations to exercise, body composition, muscle function, and n-3PUFA incorporation into skeletal muscle in young and older Scottish athletes.
3) to determine in an intervention study recruiting young and older athletes whether a diet rich in seafood improves muscle recovery after a damaging exercise session.
This exciting interdisciplinary PhD project will generate essential knowledge and skills ranging from seafood nutritional quality to human nutrition and metabolism within the context of exercise physiology. It will also be pertinent to the older population in terms of improvements in muscle function and quality of life into old age.
To apply for an EASTBIO PhD studentship, follow the instructions below:
Informal enquiries should be addressed to Dr Sean Monaghan. To apply, please send a cover letter outlining your previous research experience and reasons for applying, alongside an up-to-date CV to [Email Address Removed]
After you have discussed the projects of interest to you with Dr Sean Monaghan, download and complete our Equality, Diversity and inclusion survey and then fill in the EASTBIO Application Form and submit to each of your proposed projects as per the instructions in the project adverts.
Send the EASTBIO Reference Form which can be found on the application website to your two academic/professional referees, and ask them to submit as specified on the project adverts.
We anticipate that our first set of interviews will be held in early February 2023.
Please ask your referees to submit your references directly to Dr Sean Monaghan [Email Address Removed]
If you have further queries about the application/recruitment process please contact [Email Address Removed]