Lipids, exercise, and immunology

The role of lipids on the immune responses to exercise has been under appreciated. This is due in large part to the relatively recent advances in immunology. In addition, the “fat phobia” in athletes, particularly female athletes, and their advisers has resulted in an over-emphasis on the role of carbohydrates during exercise and the failure to recognize the importance of glycogen sparing by fat oxidation. Nutritionists also believe that a high-fat diet may compromise the immune system. Recent studies have established the potential role of fat oxidation in glycogen sparing, and in fact, have shown that increasing the fat intake in athletes can increase exercise endurance and in some athletes maximal aerobic power.