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Long-Term Omega-3 and Omega-3 Index >8%: Effects on Physiological Recovery

NCT07439601 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 46

Last updated 2026-02-27

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The Omega-3 Index measures how much of the Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA are built into red blood cell membranes. These fats are essential for health, but the body cannot make enough of them, so they must come from foods like oily fish or from supplements. The Index reflects long-term Omega-3 intake and is considered optimal at 8% or higher. Levels below this range have been linked with poorer cardiovascular health (Harris \& Von Schacky, 2004).

. For athletes, Omega-3 research suggests they can help reduce inflammation, ease muscle soreness, and support immune function. Despite this, many elite athletes appear to have Omega-3 Index values around 4-5%, well below the recommended level of 8%.

Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate whether increasing the Omega-3 index has any recovery benefits post a bout of downhill running in athletes. Downhill running is commonly used as way to cause exercise-induced muscle damage and study recovery. The Omega-3 index will be increased with a daily fish oil supplement.

Conditions

  • Focus on Omega 3 Index on Recovery

Interventions

DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

Oil Supplementation

We are providing fish oil supplementation with the aim to increase the omega 3 index (O3I) in red blood cells from a low amount (5-6%) to a high amount \>8%. The fish oil group will be provided a supplement with a dose of EPA and DHA which is designed for them to get to this level. The placebo group has a supplement which is not designed to increase the EPA + DHA in the blood. After 4 months, the O3I levels in the blood will be checked and if they have reached the appropriate level they will proceed to the next phase which is to complete a muscle damaging protocol specifically down hill running. They will then be assessed on their recovery directly post exercise, 24h, 48h, and 72h post exercise.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • St. Mary's University, Twickenham

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
DOUBLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
50 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-02-28
Primary Completion
2027-12-30
Completion
2028-12-30

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07439601 on ClinicalTrials.gov