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A review and evaluation of study design considerations for omega-3 fatty acid supplementation trials in physically trained participants

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 January 2023

Ryan Anthony Open the ORCID record for Ryan Anthony [Opens in a new window] ,
Michael J. Macartney Open the ORCID record for Michael J. Macartney [Opens in a new window] ,
Jeffery L. Heileson Open the ORCID record for Jeffery L. Heileson [Opens in a new window] ,
Peter L. McLennan Open the ORCID record for Peter L. McLennan [Opens in a new window]  and
Gregory E. Peoples Open the ORCID record for Gregory E. Peoples [Opens in a new window]
Ryan Anthony
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia Centre for Medical and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
Michael J. Macartney
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia Centre for Medical and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
Jeffery L. Heileson
Affiliation:
Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences, Baylor University, Texas, USA
Peter L. McLennan
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia Centre for Medical and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
Gregory E. Peoples*
Affiliation:
Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia Centre for Medical and Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Science Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
*
*Corresponding author: Gregory E. Peoples, email: peoples@uow.edu.au
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Abstract

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC n-3 PUFA) supplements, rich in eicosapentaenoic acid and/or docosahexaenoic acid, are increasingly being recommended within athletic institutions. However, the wide range of doses, durations and study designs implemented across trials makes it difficult to provide clear recommendations. The importance of study design characteristics in LC n-3 PUFA trials has been detailed in cardiovascular disease research, and these considerations may guide LC n-3 PUFA study design in healthy cohorts. This systematic review examined the quality of studies and study design considerations used in evaluating the evidence for LC n-3 PUFA improving performance in physically trained adults. SCOPUS, PubMed and Web of Science electronic databases were searched to identify studies that supplemented LC n-3 PUFA in physically trained participants. Forty-six (n = 46) studies met inclusion. Most studies used a randomised control design. Risk of bias, assessed using the design-appropriate Cochrane Collaboration tool, revealed that studies had a predominant judgment of ‘some concerns’, ‘high risk’ or ‘moderate risk’ in randomised controlled, randomised crossover or non-randomised studies, respectively. A custom five-point quality assessment scale demonstrated that no study satisfied all recommendations for LC n-3 PUFA study design. This review has highlighted that the disparate range of study designs is likely contributing to the inconclusive state of outcomes pertaining to LC n-3 PUFA as a potential ergogenic aid. Further research must adequately account for the specific LC n-3 PUFA study design considerations, underpinned by a clear hypothesis, to achieve evidence-based dose, duration and composition recommendations for physically trained individuals.

Keywords

LC n-3 PUFAEPADHATrained participantsPhysical performance
Type
Review Article
Information
Nutrition Research Reviews , Volume 37 , Issue 1 , June 2024 , pp. 1 - 13
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society

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