International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Authors

Ralf Jäger, Increnovo LLC
Jeffrey L. Heilson, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Sidney Abou Sawan, Iovate Health Sciences International
Broderick L. Dickerson, Texas A & M University - College Station
Megan Leonard, Texas A & M University - College Station
Richard B. Kreider, Texas A & M University - College Station
Chad M. Kerksick, Lindenwood UniversityFollow
Stephen M. Cornish, University of Manitoba
Darren G. Candow, University of Regina
Dean M. Cordingley, University of Manitoba
Scott C. Forbes, Brandon University
Grant M. Tinsley, Texas Tech University
Tindaro Bongiovanni, University of Bologna
Roberto Cannataro, University of Calabria
Bill I. Campbell, University of South Florida
Shawn M. Arent, University of South Carolina
Jeffrey R. Stout, University of Central Florida
Douglas S. Kalman, Nova Southeastern University
Jose Antonio, Nova Southeastern University

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Position Statement: The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) presents this position based on a critical examination of the literature surrounding the effects of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (ω-3 PUFA) supplementation on exercise performance, recovery, and brain health. This position stand is intended to provide a scientific foundation for athletes, dietitians, trainers, and other practitioners regarding the effects of supplemental ω-3 PUFA in healthy and athletic populations. The following conclusions represent the official position of the ISSN:

1. Athletes may be at a higher risk for ω-3 PUFA insufficiency.

2. Diets rich in ω-3 PUFA, including supplements, are effective strategies for increasing ω-3 PUFA levels.

3. ω-3 PUFA supplementation, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has been shown to enhance endurance capacity and cardiovascular function during aerobic-type exercise.

4. ω-3 PUFA supplementation may not confer a muscle hypertrophic benefit in young adults.

5. ω-3 PUFA supplementation in combination with resistance training may improve strength in a dose- and duration-dependent manner.

6. ω-3 PUFA supplementation may decrease subjective measures of muscle soreness following intense exercise.

7. ω-3 PUFA supplementation can positively affect various immune cell responses in athletic populations.

8. Prophylactic ω-3 PUFA supplementation may offer neuroprotective benefits in athletes exposed to repeated head impacts.

9. ω-3 PUFA supplementation is associated with improved sleep quality.

10. ω-3 PUFA are classified as prebiotics; however, studies on the gut microbiome and gut health in athletes are currently lacking.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2024.2441775

Publication Date

1-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Jäger, Ralf; Heilson, Jeffrey L.; Sawan, Sidney Abou; Dickerson, Broderick L.; Leonard, Megan; Kreider, Richard B.; Kerksick, Chad M.; Cornish, Stephen M.; Candow, Darren G.; Cordingley, Dean M.; Forbes, Scott C.; Tinsley, Grant M.; Bongiovanni, Tindaro; Cannataro, Roberto; Campbell, Bill I.; Arent, Shawn M.; Stout, Jeffrey R.; Kalman, Douglas S.; and Antonio, Jose, "International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Long-Chain Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids" (2025). Faculty Scholarship. 716.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/716