With Super Bowl excitement in the air, attention often turns to the health and safety of football players. Headlines continue to highlight the dangers of concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). While rule changes and protective gear help, there’s one powerful tool not getting enough attention: omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA.
New research shows that omega-3s may play a critical role in protecting both the brains and hearts of football players. From reducing inflammation to supporting cell function, these essential fatty acids could be a game-changer for athletes exposed to repeated head trauma.
Understanding the Link Between Football and Brain Injuries
What Is CTE?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) is a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma. It’s been diagnosed in athletes, military veterans, and others exposed to frequent brain impacts. The disease is marked by the buildup of tau protein, which spreads through the brain, killing cells and triggering cognitive and behavioral decline.
According to the Concussion Legacy Foundation, a study of 202 former football players found that 94% had evidence of CTE. Among those who only played at the college level, the rate was still a staggering 86%.
Growing Legal and Medical Concerns
Former athletes are increasingly suing organizations like the NCAA for failing to protect them from long-term damage. Some of these lawsuits allege the dangers of concussions were known as far back as the 1930s, yet schools didn’t adopt concussion protocols until 2010.
With long-term outcomes like CTE becoming more visible, there’s growing interest in nutritional interventions—especially omega-3s—as part of a broader protective strategy.
How Omega-3s May Help Football Players
The Role of EPA and DHA
EPA and DHA, the primary long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are anti-inflammatory and support the structure of brain and heart cells. Research suggests these fats can:
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Reduce neuroinflammation
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Support blood flow and brain cell repair
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Help manage recovery from concussions
In essence, omega-3s offer a double line of defense—supporting both short-term concussion recovery and long-term brain and heart health.
Omega-3 Deficiency in College Athletes
A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training (2019) assessed the Omega-3 Index of over 400 NCAA football players from universities including TCU, Utah, Missouri, and South Carolina. The results were concerning:
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34% had high-risk Omega-3 Index scores (<4%)
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66% were in the intermediate-risk range (4–8%)
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0% reached the optimal zone (>8%)
These findings mirror the omega-3 levels of the average American adult—meaning even elite athletes are not getting enough EPA and DHA.
Why the Omega-3 Index Matters
The Omega-3 Index is a blood test that measures the percentage of EPA and DHA in red blood cells. Higher scores are associated with better heart and brain health. The risk zones are:
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High risk: <4%
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Intermediate risk: 4–8%
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Low risk (ideal): >8%
Improving Omega-3 Index levels through diet or supplementation could be a simple and effective strategy for protecting athlete health.
The Debate Over Supplement Access in College Sports
NCAA Rules on Supplements
Despite growing evidence of the benefits of omega-3s, NCAA rules currently do not allow schools to provide omega-3 supplements to student-athletes. They are limited to offering basic nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, and carbs.
However, this could change. Representatives from major conferences (ACC, SEC, Big Ten, etc.) are actively discussing proposals to allow omega-3 supplements—a move that could be a turning point in sports nutrition policy.
Certification for Safe Use in Sports
Safety is a top concern in professional athletics. Organizations like NSF International have developed third-party certifications—such as NSF Certified for Sport—to ensure supplements are free of banned substances.
This certification is already required by the NFL, MLB, NHL, and other leagues for any supplement recommended to players. If allowed by the NCAA, omega-3 products like Ballstad Omega-3—which meets high purity and safety standards—could become widely used in collegiate athletics.
Why Ballstad Omega-3 Is an Excellent Choice for Athletes
Athletes face unique physical demands. Whether it’s recovering from injury, supporting cardiovascular health, or protecting brain function, Ballstad Omega-3 offers a powerful edge:
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High concentrations of purified EPA and DHA
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Sustainably sourced, pharmaceutical-grade fish oil
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Rigorously tested for safety, purity, and potency
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Supports brain, heart, and joint health
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Ideal for anyone looking to optimize their Omega-3 Index
While college athletes may not yet receive omega-3 supplements through their programs, they can still choose to supplement independently—and they deserve a product they can trust.
Looking Ahead: Omega-3s in the Future of Sports Nutrition
Momentum is growing. Coaches, dietitians, and sports physicians are increasingly advocating for omega-3s as a core part of athlete recovery and protection. The science is strong, the risks are minimal, and the benefits—both short and long term—are substantial.
Whether you’re a football player, endurance athlete, or someone simply looking to optimize performance and protect your brain, omega-3s should be part of your daily routine.
Ballstad Omega-3 provides the targeted support athletes need—with clean, potent, and clinically relevant doses of EPA and DHA.
Get tested. Get supported. Choose Ballstad Omega-3.
