Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Enhance Performance

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this intervention study is to determine if omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as compared to placebo improves performance in track and field athletes. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can performance be improved Can strength be enhanced Will positive body composition changes occur (lean vs fat mass) Will feelings of muscle soreness be diminished Participants will take either omega-3 fatty acid supplements or placebo and continue with their sport specific training regimen. Researchers will compare the supplement group to placebo group to determine if there are any significant differences.

Detailed Description
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This is a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy of fish oil-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Up to sixty participants will be randomized to receive one of two conditions: 4.0 grams of FO n-3/day or placebo (coconut oil) for the 10-week protocol study period. Nordic Naturals (Ultimate Omega) will be used as the intervention at a dose of 6 capsules/day (3840 mg total FO/1950 mg EPA/1350 mg DHA). Although protocols have varied among studies with regards to dosage, the proposed regimen was selected based on studies on strength in older adults and college-aged athletes utilizing a range of 2-5g FO n-3 per day. Blinded randomization will be accomplished with a research associate providing every first (of two) participants the placebo, while the second will receive the supplemented condition until recruitment is complete. Participants will be provided their supplement in 2-week increments and instructed to consume with/near their evening meal. Used bottles will be returned after two weeks and participants will receive the next 2-week supply of supplement and the leftover pill count will determine compliance rate. The target population is apparently healthy college athletes (male and female of all ethnicities) between the ages of 18-25 years at Baylor University. Participants must be able to read and understand English and sign their own consent form. Up to 60 subjects will be recruited via direct contact or team briefings with permission of the coaches.

Official Title
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Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation to Enhance Performance in Collegiate Athletes

Conditions
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Strength, Body Composition, Muscle Soreness

Intervention / Treatment
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* Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 fatty acid
* Dietary Supplement: Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Apparently healthy college athletes (male and female of all ethnicities) between the ages of 18-25 years. Exclusion Criteria: -Participants will be excluded if they are unable to physically train due to injury/illness or are pregnant, or have a known heart condition or pacemaker.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 25 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Other
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Omega-3 fatty acid<br>Nordic Naturals (Ultimate Omega) will be used as the intervention at a dose of 4 grams/day (3840 mg total fish oil with 1950 mg EPA and 1350 mg DHA | Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 fatty acid<br>* 6 capsules per day of 3840 mg that included 1950 mg EPA and 1350 mg DHA<br>* Other names: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega;|
| Placebo Comparator: Coconut oil<br>dose of 4 grams/day | Dietary Supplement: Placebo<br>* 4 capsules per day of coconut oil<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Strength | lower body strength will be evaluated via a counter movement jump | change from baseline at 8 weeks | 
| Power | handgrip strength will be used as a proxy for upper body strength via a dynamometer | change from baseline at 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Body composition | bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), a double-indirect body composition technique based on a 3-component model (fat mass, fat-free mass, and total body water), will be performed. | change from baseline at 8 weeks | 
| Muscle soreness | Subjects will be asked to rate their muscle soreness on a 10-point Likert scale | change from baseline, every 2 weeks and at 8 weeks | 
| Omega-3 index | The Omega-3 Index provides information on the participants baseline level of EPA/DHA level in the blood | change from baseline at 8 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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omega-3 fatty acid, strength, body composition, muscle soreness