Nutritional Armor: Focus on Long-chain Omega-3 Supplementation

Jeff Heileson, PhD, RD, CSCS

• Description:
  • Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs) have been referred to as nutritional armor, especially in relation to its roles in cognitive protection and health. Accumulating evidence suggests that LC n-3 PUFAs may also improve hypertrophy, strength, and recovery in various contexts and environments. The focus of this presentation will be to elucidate the current state of the evidence regarding the role of LC n-3 PUFA supplementation as a potential nutritional armor for the body and the brain.

• The audience will learn how to:
  • Describe the omega-3 index and typical blood levels in athletes & military personnel.
  • Review the evidence for the omega-3 supplementation on lean body mass, strength, and recovery.
  • Describe the most recent studies on the effect of long-chain omega-3 supplementation on a marker of head trauma in American football players.

• 1 Credit Hour as Approved by Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
• 1 Credit Hour as Approved by the Board of Certification for Athletic Trainers (BOC)