Improved Physiological Markers of Omega-3 Status and Compliance With Omega-3 Supplementation in Division I Track and Field and Cross-Country Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2022 Mar 21:1-10. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2021-0253. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
A sufficient omega-3 index may enhance cardiovascular function, enhance performance, and decrease inflammation. However, most collegiate athletes are deficient in omega-3s, requiring supplementation. A new type of omega-3 (N3) supplement, Enhanced Recovery™ (ER), claims to improve N3 index while addressing the current issues with traditional supplementation. The purpose of this study was to determine if ER improves N3 status and enhances compliance compared with the current standard in collegiate Division I Track and Field and cross-country athletes during a competitive season. Twenty-five (male = 15 and female = 10) athletes completed this longitudinal, randomized controlled crossover trial. Measurements of N3 status were collected at baseline prior to supplementation, and every 2 weeks for 6 weeks with a 33- to 36-day washout period before crossing over. Supplement compliance and dietary intake of N3 rich foods were collected throughout. Visual analog scales and an exit survey asked questions regarding each treatment. Results showed that N3 index increases within 6 weeks (p < .001) for ER (+37.5%) and control (CON; +55.1%), with small differences between treatments at Weeks 4 (ER = 7.3 ± 1.0; CON = 7.7 ± 1.1; p = .043) and 6 (ER = 7.4 ± 1.2; CON = 7.9 ± 1.2; p = .043). Dietary intake of N3-rich foods and supplement compliance were significant drivers of improvements in N3 status (p < .050). Compliance was not different between treatments but was affected by sex (males = 90.0 ± 17.0% and females = 76.5 ± 21.0%; p = .040), likability (p = .001; r = .77, p < .001), ease (p = .023; r = .53, p = .006), and supplement preference (p = .004), which appeared to favor ER. We conclude that consumption of N3-rich foods and consistent supplementation should be implemented for improvements in N3 status in collegiate athletes, but taste tests/trial periods with ER or CON may help determine preference and improve compliance.
PMID:35313276 | DOI:10.1123/ijsnem.2021-0253
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About The Author
Patrick Blanchard MD
Meet Dr. Blanchard Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners. Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.