(P29-003-25) Evaluate the Use of Omega-3 Fortified Shakes to Improve Omega-3 Index and Physical Performance-Related Outcomes Among Soldiers

Objectives: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for mental and physical health. Omega-3 Index (O3I) is a marker of omega-3 status, with levels ≥8% linked to optimal health, reduced cardiovascular risk, and enhanced performance. Soldiers have a suboptimal average O3I of ~4%. This study evaluated whether increasing omega-3 intake via fortified shakes improves performance and recovery in Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Soldiers.

Objective 1: Assess the impact of 8 weeks of daily omega-3 fortified shakes (1600 mg omega-3) on O3I.

Objective 2: Determine the relationship between O3I and performance/recovery metrics.

We hypothesize that daily consumption of omega-3 shakes for 8 weeks will increase O3I to 8% and improve strength, aerobic capacity, power, perceived exertion, and recovery versus a control group.

Methods: This blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial tested omega-3 fortified shakes on performance outcomes in Soldiers from Ft. Campbell and Ft. Drum. Participants were randomly assigned to either the placebo or omega-3 group and completed baseline and week 8 assessments, including the Army Combat Fitness Test, O3I measurement, and questionnaires on perceived exertion, pain, sleep quality, diet, and physical activity.

Results: Of 64 enrolled participants, 33 completed all components of the study. The omega-3 group showed a significant O3I increase after the 6-week intervention (p < 0.01), averaging 0.9% (± 0.2). However, no participants reached the target O3I level of 8%, and only 3 exceeded 6%. Fitness outcomes, including ACFT (p = 0.8) and the 2-mile run (p = 0.6) showed no significant changes.

Conclusions: Omega-3 fortified shakes significantly increased O3I levels, but did not achieve the target O3I level of 8%. Results suggest that while omega-3 supplementation can improve O3I, achieving optimal levels may require longer interventions, higher doses, or alternative delivery methods.

Funding Sources: Defense Health Agency. HU0001-24-2-0009