Abstract
Introduction: NCAA track and field (T&F) athletes hold one of the longest competitive seasons, making adequate nutrition and supplementation critical. Studies suggest that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) supplementation may benefit athletic performance, strength, and body composition. This study examined the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on sport performance, hand grip strength, and body composition in NCAA Division I T&F athletes. Methods: Twenty-five NCAA Division I T&F athletes (14 females, 11 males) were recruited. In a single-blind randomized controlled trial, participants consumed either: 4.0 grams of fish oil (FO) or 4.0 grams of placebo (i.e., coconut oil) daily for eight weeks, starting at the beginning of their outdoor season competitions. Body composition, hand grip strength, sport performance, and omega-3 indexes were sampled prior to in-season competition and following the 8-week supplementation. Data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA (p < 0.05). Results: FO group saw a significant increase in omega-3 index (p = 0.004, but no significant differences in body composition, hand grip strength, or performance. Despite improvement in omega-3 index, all participants still possessed levels below current recommendations. Conclusions: No changes in body composition, hand grip strength, or sport performance were found, despite improvements in omega-3 status with supplementation. Key Words: Fish oil, Sport performance, n-3 PUFA Corresponding author: Andrew Gallucci, Andrew_Gallucci@baylor.edu Introduction Track and field (T&F) holds one of the longest competitive seasons of any collegiate sport, with the season lasting as long as six months. 1 Often, elite competitors in collegiate T&F will go on to represent their respective countries through international competitions that could prolong their
Description
The study investigates omega-3 supplementation effects on athletic performance in NCAA Division I track and field athletes.