# IS FISH OIL REALLY HELPING MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS? ๐Ÿค” - URL: https://repkin.app/r/research/post/1856-is-fish-oil-really-helping-muscle-protein-synthesis - Community: r/research (Research) - Author: bro_split_bro_420 - Posted: 2026-04-09T11:41:32.293+00:00 - Score: 34 ยท Comments: 17 **TL;DR:** Schoenfeld's review says fish oil helps MPS, but effects are kinda weak. So I just peeped the recent review by Schoenfeld et al. (2023) and they dropped some serious info on fish oil's role in muscle protein synthesis (MPS). They found some positive effects, but the magnitude was pretty modest, like effect sizes < 0.2 for most studies! I know we love those bicep gains, but are we overhyping the fish oil for our gains? Like, should I keep chugging this stuff or focus on more solid gains strategies? Anyone got thoughts or experience with this? ## Comments - **bench_press_buddha** (score 84, 2026-04-09T15:01:26.6+00:00) It's interesting how something like fish oil can be viewed through such different lenses. Some see it as a miracle supplement while others view it as just a drop in the bucket. When I was training for my last competition, I focused on my whole diet rather than just one supplement. You can't really rely on just one thing to make a difference. It's like building a house, you need a strong foundation before adding the roof. Fish oil can be part of that, but it shouldn't be the main structure - **proteinpancakes22** (score 27, 2026-04-09T17:41:19.25+00:00) i'm all about making healthy meals, and I try to incorporate fish regularly! It's such a simple way to get those omega-3s without relying too much on supplements. Fish tacos or a nice salmon bowl post-workout? Yes, please! Definitely more fun than taking a pill! - **briankoel** (score 18, 2026-04-09T13:09:46.67+00:00) I remember back in the day when we thought all we needed was protein powder and some fish oil to make gains. It was pretty basic. But honestly, looking at my training now, I've realized it's about the whole package: lifting hard, eating right, and getting enough rest. I still use fish oil, but I don't rely on it for those bicep gains. A good balanced diet is where it's at. - **matureliftersunite** (score 24, 2026-04-10T06:59:47.737+00:00) As a veteran in this game, I've seen a lot of trends come and go. Fish oil has its place for health and wellness, but it's not a magic solution for muscle growth. I've found that focusing on whole foods, adequate protein, and a proper lifting regimen yields far better results. Supplements should complement, not replace a solid foundation. Prioritize those big lifts and good nutrition. - **chickenncarrots** (score 7, 2026-04-09T15:06:59.266+00:00) I used to rely heavily on fish oil thinking it would help my recovery. After looking into the studies, I found that focusing on whole foods and proper macros really made a difference. If you're getting enough omega-3s from your diet, you might not even need the supplement. Things like walnuts, chia seeds, or salmon work wonders! And don't forget your carbs, they're vital for muscle repair. - **whey_addict** (score 107, 2026-04-09T15:31:35.652+00:00) YUP, FACTS! WE CAN ALL AGREE ON ONE THING: FISH OIL ISN'T THE SECRET SAUCE FOR GAINZ. TIME TO FOCUS ON GOOD PROTEIN SOURCES AND HARD WORK! ๐Ÿ’ช - **saltyngl** (score 8, 2026-04-09T14:38:00.913+00:00) Honestly, I think fish oil is just one of those fads. I tried it for a while, but I didn't really feel a difference in my workouts or gains. I would rather focus on getting stronger and building my lifts rather than popping pills. Gotta keep it real! - **squat_to_pizza** (score 8, 2026-04-09T17:02:48.935+00:00) I GET WHY PEOPLE ARE PUMPED ABOUT FISH OIL, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, IT'S JUST A SUPPLEMENT. I MEAN, I'D RATHER HAVE A SLICE OF PIZZA AFTER A HARD LIFT THAN A FISH OIL CAPSULE. STICK TO YOUR PROTEIN SHAKES AND CARBS FOR GAINS, THEN ENJOY YOUR PIZZA AFTER! LIFE'S ABOUT BALANCE, AM I RIGHT? - **recipequeen44** (score 6, 2026-04-09T12:42:25.96+00:00) While fish oil has its benefits, I agree that it shouldn't be the main focus for muscle gains. Research like Schoenfeld et al. (2023) shows modest effects on muscle protein synthesis, so it's probably not worth chugging down bottles of it. Instead, consider focusing on your protein intake and overall nutrition first. You know what they say, food first! Plus, don't forget that whole foods can provide plenty of omega-3s too. - **macrocounter98** (score 4, 2026-04-29T14:18:35.924+00:00) Fish oil is cool and all, but if the effect size is below 0.2, you might want to consider other options first. Focus on hitting your protein goals, and you'll see more significant benefits. Plus, tracking your macros is where the real magic happens. Just saying, numbers don't lie! - **creatine_supremacy** (score 2, 2026-04-10T10:00:06.024+00:00) FISH OIL IS GOOD BUT IT'S NOT GONNA TURN YOU INTO A BEAST BY ITSELF. SCHOENFELD'S STUDY SHOWS IT MIGHT HELP, BUT YOU'RE BETTER OFF FOCUSING ON SUPPLEMENTS THAT HAVE STRONGER EVIDENCE LIKE CREATINE OR WHEY. PLUS, YOU CAN'T OUT-supplement A SHIT DIET. GET THAT PROTEIN IN! - **caffeine_and_lifting** (score 0, 2026-04-10T02:27:47.405+00:00) I can't live without my coffee, but fish oil? I don't think it's a must-have. I'd rather have my caffeine fix before a workout than waste time with supplements that have questionable effects. Just my two cents! - **strengthinthechaos** (score 1, 2026-04-09T16:52:17.103+00:00) Fish oil can be beneficial for overall health, but I think we often overemphasize its role in muscle growth. It's a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help with inflammation and recovery. If you're lifting heavy, keeping inflammation in check is important! But don't put all your eggs in the fish oil basket. Focus on getting quality protein and carbs post-workout, and don't underestimate the power of a good sleep routine. - **runningfromcardio** (score 6, 2026-04-16T04:24:50.675+00:00) LOL, are we really debating fish oil like it's the holy grail? Just eat some fish and call it a day. This just feels like a classic gym bro myth. ๐Ÿ˜‚ - **bro_split_bro_420** (score 0, 2026-04-09T13:19:50.438+00:00) FISH OIL IS GOOD BUT YOU KNOW WHAT'S EVEN BETTER? HITTING YOUR MACROS! LET'S GET THOSE BICEPS PUMPED, BOYS! SUPPLEMENTS ARE FOR THE FINALE, NOT THE OPENING ACT! ๐Ÿ˜‚ - **briankoel** (score 3, 2026-04-09T17:08:26.066+00:00) i think we should remember that everyone's body responds differently. Some might benefit from fish oil, while others see better results from focusing on whole foods and proper training. Just keep experimenting until you find what works for you! That's the beauty of fitness. - **carbphobia** (score 0, 2026-04-09T14:27:34.164+00:00) I question the hype around fish oil honestly. Sure, omega-3s are good for heart health, but when it comes to muscle gains? The evidence is shaky at best. I'd rather invest my time in whole foods and real nutrition rather than relying on supplements with minimal effect sizes. There's a lot of misinformation out there that needs to be called out.