Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effect of omega-3 on physical performance and recovery of Soldiers. Objectives 1: Assess the impact of 8-weeks of daily consumption of 1600mg of omega-3 fortified smoothie on O3I response. Objective 2: Determine the relationship between O3I and measures of performance and recovery. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to placebo group or to the omega-3 fortified smoothie group. * The intervention group will take omega-3 fortified smoothies and controls will consume a non-fortified smoothie, five days a week for 8 weeks. * Participate in Army Combat Fitness Tests (ACFT) * Complete surveys that assess dietary intake, physical activity (PAQ) and sleep quality (PSQI). * Complete a finger prick to determine omega-3 index. Assessments will be collected pre/post intervention. Researchers will compare intervention and placebo groups to see if omega-3 levels increase, and improve physical performance and recovery.
Evidence suggests that mental and physical health are positively related to the omega-3 intake, and studies indicate that supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids may improve muscle recovery and range of motion while decreasing soreness and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids are an essential part of the diet and are found primarily in marine-based sources of fatty fish including salmon, mackerel, and herring. The Omega-3 Index (O3I) is a reliable method used to measure omega-3 status, more specifically it represents the sum of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as a percentage o…
Inclusion Criteria: * Active Duty Military Personnel * Current soldier at Ft. Drum or Ft. Campbell. * Able and willing to complete two Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) (Week 1 and week 8) * Willing to obtain two finger pricks for the Omega-3 Index (week 1 and week 8) Exclusion Criteria: * Allergic to fish
Omega-3 powder and protein supplementation.
Protein without omega-3 powder supplementation.