Dietary Intake Patterns of Omega Fatty Acid Profiles in Athletes

Abstract

Objectives There has been evidence suggesting the effect of omega-3 fatty acids (FA) in promoting and preserving lean body mass. Western diets are deficient in omega-3 FA, while having excess amounts of omega-6 FA. A high omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio promotes the pathogenesis of several diseases, whereas an omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio suppresses inflammation. The objective of this study was to report on omega-3 FA supplementation and lean body mass (LBM) among athletes. Methods Female and male athletes who were 18 years of age and older were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Body weight (kg) and height (cm) were measured using a SECA scale. LBM (kg) was measured using a bio-electrical impedance analyzer. Dietary consumption data were measured using a Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. A univariate analysis of variance was used to report the interaction between omega-3 FA supplementation and LBM. In addition, a linear regression was used to analyze the omega-6/omega-3 ratio and LBM. The significance level was set a priori at P < 0.05. Results A total of 300 athletes (145 women and 155 men) were included in the study. Participants were 34.76 ± 11.5 years of age, with an average LBM of 57.19 ± 11.24 kg. The average daily consumption of omega-6 and omega-3 FA were 14.58 ± 6.21 g and 1.56 ± 0.75 g, respectively. The average ratio of omega-6/omega-3 was 9.56 ± 1.90 (a ratio of £3). Of the 300 athletes, 98 chose to supplement their diet with omega-3 FA. There was a positive interaction between omega-3 FA supplementation and LBM (P = 0.007). There was no significant relationship between omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio and LBM. Conclusions We found a positive interaction between omega-3 FA supplementation and LBM. However, these athletes did not have a favorable omega-6/omega-3 FA ratio, and hence, may be susceptible to inflammatory responses and other chronic diseases. Therefore, it may be beneficial to include servings of foods and supplements that are high in omega-3 FA to mitigate these effects. Intervention studies should further investigate the potential of a diet rich in omega-3 FA in preserving LBM in athletes. Funding Sources This project was unfunded.